Last-gasp Gimenez Strike Sends Atletico Past Leipzig
Atletico Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against RB Leipzig in their Champions League opener on Thursday, thanks to a last-minute goal from Jose Maria Gimenez.
Leipzig took an early lead just four minutes into the match with a goal from Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old Slovenian capitalized on a rebound after Jan Oblak blocked a shot from Lois Openda, heading the ball in from close range.
Atletico equalized in the 28th minute when Antoine Griezmann scored with a precise finish from 12 yards out. The Frenchman initially attempted to level the score earlier, but a header from Angel Correa was deemed not to have crossed the line.
In a dramatic finale, Gimenez scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. Griezmann's chip from the edge of the box found Gimenez, who headed it back across goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi into the net.
Leipzig had opportunities to extend their lead, with Sesko nearly converting a Xavi Simons free-kick and a couple of late chances from Simons and Yussuf Poulsen, both of which went wide.
This defeat marks Leipzig's first loss in any competition since February, ending a 17-game unbeaten streak. Atletico Madrid, having previously lost to Leipzig in the 2019-20 quarter-finals, celebrated their first victory against the German side.
Looking ahead, Leipzig faces a challenging schedule with upcoming home matches against Juventus and Liverpool in October.
