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NOS Voetbal•gisteren, 23:10
Atlético Madrid took the first step against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In Madrid it became 2-1. Atlético started furiously, but the visitors came back strongly in the second half and were still close to the equalizer.
Borussia Dortmund had a taste of their own medicine in the Metropolitano stadium, where the injured Memphis Depay watched in a suit. Just as the Germans overwhelmed PSV at home in the previous round, Dortmund was overrun tonight in the opening phase by an unleashed Atlético.
In the absence of the injured Donyell Malen, Ian Maatsen was the only Dutchman in the starting line-up. For Maatsen it was not only an opportunity to distinguish himself at the highest level, but also an opportunity to show himself to national coach Ronald Koeman, who has few options for the left back position after Quilindschy Hartman’s injury.
Maatsen’s mistake
The first impression was good. After a beautiful pass from Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata came close to the goal, but with a clever sliding Maatsen prevented the striker from becoming dangerous.
Moments later, however, the Dutch defender made a mistake. Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel played Maatsen risky in coverage under high Spanish pressure and the left foot was not prepared for that. Maatsen turned the wrong way with the outside left and lost the ball.
AFPIan Maatsen (l) on Samuel Lino (r)
Rodrigo De Paul gratefully accepted the gift and mercilessly punished Maatsen’s mistake in the fourth minute. On a pass from Griezmann, Axel Witsel almost scored a world-class goal, but the backheeled ball from the air was beautifully ducked out of the goal by Kobel.
A new highlight from Griezmann did result in a goal. The Frenchman served Samuel Lino with a subtle arc and the Brazilian skillfully scored to make it 2-0.
One goal, two goals
After the break, Atlético had some chances to make it 3-0, but then Borussia kept getting better and the Germans got better and better. Atlético seemed tired and gasping for breath. Maatsen also grew after his early mistake in the match.
Dortmund got their money’s worth when substitute Sébastien Haller luckily got the ball in front of his feet and scored in the 81st minute.
The equalizer came very close. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ deflected shot hit the crossbar and Julian Brandt headed onto the crossbar. The 2-2 did not come, but the battle is still completely open. The return is in Dortmund next Tuesday.
