Nagelsmann against Tuchel - the German coach duel in the semi-finals of the Champions League is perfect. RB Leipzig creates the surprise against Liverpool defeated Atlético with a strong performance. It works without Timo Werner.
Lisbon (dpa) - Great start to the "Missão Final": RB Leipzig impressively cracked Atlético Madrid's defensive bulwark on the way to the hoped-for Champions League coup.
In the first game without the goal guarantor Timo Werner, who had moved to London, the Bundesliga team prevailed with a courageous and mature performance against the disappointing Spanish defensive artists with 2: 1 (0: 0) and now demands Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals on Tuesday World champion Kylian Mbappé and superstar Neymar.
Dani Olmo (51st minute) and substitute Tyler Adams (88th) scored the goals for the Saxons at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, which tactically demystified the otherwise efficient Spaniards. João Félix marked the interim equalization with a penalty kick (71.). Eleven years after the club was founded, Leipzig reached a semi-finals in the European Cup for the first time. For Julian Nagelsmann, the last hurdle before the premier class final against PSG on August 23 is the interesting German coach duel with Thomas Tuchel.
Nagelsmann announced "courageous football" and kept his word. In the best summer conditions - a light breeze blew from the Atlantic - RB was physically robust in the duels and surprised the Champions League finalists of 2014 and 2016 with fast attacking football. Only the last pass was often missing, which annoyed Nagelsmann on the sidelines. Perhaps it was also because Torgarant Werner was no longer available as a buyer. It should remain a blemish, because the collective worked like it did in the past league season.
In the first premier class quarter-finals in club history, the people of Leipzig showed no respect for big names and also had the first chance to score. National player Marcel Halstenberg, who played despite his back problems, put a volley over the goal (4th). In the initial phase, Atlético, who had come with the reference of 18 competitive games without defeat in a row, on the other hand, seemed overwhelmed with the determination of the Saxons.
Even the preparation for the game was bumpy for the Madrilenians. While RB was able to prepare for the duel in Portugal for five days, the Colchoneros had occupied the two positive corona tests by Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko. Diego Simeone's team not only lost two players as a result, but also only arrived in Lisbon on Tuesday.
In contrast to his team, Simeone was right at operating temperature. Gesticulating wildly, the coaching zone was once again too small for the Argentine - the first warning from the fourth official was given after just six minutes. His team found their way into the game with a little delay. With a header from Stefan Savic, RB keeper Peter Gulacsi had some problems (10th). The goalkeeper looked more confident with a strong shot by Belgian Yannick Carrasco (13th). In addition, the keeper was lucky that a touch against Saul was not subsequently punished by the video referee.
Otherwise, RB did not allow much. Defense chief Dayot Upamecano, who has just extended his contract to 2023, not only carefully directed his front-runners, but also created danger with standards. On the offensive, club veteran Yussuf Poulsen got the role of Werner's replacement, while Patrik Schick sat on the bench. The Dane had his problems against the robust Atletico defense.
The same picture in the second half. Leipzig acted bolder and fresher - and rewarded itself. After a cross from Marcel Sabitzer, Olmo hit his compatriots with his head. It is hard to believe that this honest Madrid team removed defending champions Liverpool FC and Jürgen Klopp from the competition in March.
Simeone reacted and brought the young Portuguese star Félix into play for the creative department. A move that worked. Twelve minutes after being substituted on, the fast Félix took a penalty against Lukas Klostermann, which he converted himself. But Leipzig struck back - with luck. A deflected shot from Adams found its way into the goal.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 200813-99-160524 / 3
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