Goals from Rodrigo de Paul and Samuel Lino gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Borussia Dortmund. Atleti dominated the first half, but had to weather some serious pressure from BVB after the interval, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Julien Brandt both hitting the woodwork late in the fixture for the visitors.
Dortmund were their own worst enemies, with both of Atleti’s goals down to BVB defensive errors. First, Dortmund keeper Kobel chose to play out of the back to Ian Maatsen despite the latter being under pressure, and the Dutch defender’s subsequent poor pass was intercepted by De Paul, who then made it 1-0. Another mix-up, this time between Nico Schotterbeck and Mats Hummels, saw Lino score Atleti’s second in the 32nd minute.
Lino had another great opportunity to put the tie beyond Dortmund’s reach in the second half, but was denied from close range by Kobel. He was also booked, meaning that he will miss the return leg in Germany.
Sebastien Haller pulled one back late in the fixture for Dortmund, who finished the game strongly, but were unable to find another goal that would’ve drawn the game.
Atleti will now host Girona this weekend while Dortmund will square off against Borussia Monchengladbach.
