Alvarez helps 10-man Atletico Madrid secure victory over Leverkusen

Atletico Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in an thrilling encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Coming from a stunning loss to Leganes in the Spanish league, Diego Simeone bounced back with a win over Xabi Alonso’s side, despite been down to ten men first.

The Spanish side started poorly as Pablo Barrios was sent off for a high challenge on Leverkusen defender Nordi Mukiele.

The German side made them pay in stoppage time before the interval, as they took the lead. Mukiele’s cross to the back post was headed home by fellow full-back Piero Hincapie.

Atletico fought back as they forced an equaliser in the 53th minute, courtesy of Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker did so well to get on to Antoine Griezmann’s through ball, and he finished past Matej Kovar.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen were also reduced to 10 men after goalscorer Hincapie saw a second yellow after a foul on Giuliano Simeone.

Atletico Madrid won the game late on in the 90th minute. Angel Correa played an excellent ball into Alvarez, who stabbed home for his second goal of the evening.

The Rojiblancos are now third in the league phase standings, as victory at RB Salzburg next week would secure automatically qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League.