Champions League: Atletico beat Leipzig as Barcelona stumble

Atletico Madrid had to come from behind to register a 2-1 win over Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Thursday night in their opening match of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The visitors took a surprise lead in the fourth minute after Benjamin Sesko got on the finishing end of a counterattack with a fine header.

Chasing the game, Atletico’s series of attacks paid off with an Antoine Griezmann equaliser in the 28th minute.

Their growing confidence eventually led to a winner through Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez, who pounced on Griezmann’s cross with a towering header.

Griezmann praised his side’s maturity for rallying a comeback win.

“We knew that any mistake could cost us a goal, and that was what happened, but we were mature enough to keep calm and work our way back from behind,” said the French forward.

“We have tried until the last moment. We have a deep squad that will make the difference, like today. We’re on the right track, but it’s only the beginning.”

Atletico return to La Liga action this Sunday, with top sports bookmakers paying -119.05 for Diego Simeone’s men to triumph against hosts Rayo Vallecano (+375).

Meanwhile, Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat away to AS Monaco on Thursday.

The Blaugrana found themselves in a precarious position within the first ten minutes after defender Eric Garcia was sent off for a rash challenge on Monaco midfielder Takumi Minamino.

This became Barca’s second red card in two games, after Ferran Torres was sent off during their 4-1 win over Girona last Sunday.

With the numerical advantage, the hosts took the lead six minutes later through Frenchman Maghnes Akliouche, who slotted cleanly past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Although Barca managed to equalise in the 28th minute through the sensational Lamine Yamal, Monaco proved too strong, as they found the winner through Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena — who came off the bench to score on his debut.

The result at the Louis II Stadium brought Hansi Flick’s perfect managerial start to an end.

Nevertheless, the La Liga leaders will have a chance to redeem themselves this Sunday away to Villarreal, with the top soccer betting sites paying -131.58 for them to defeat the Yellow Submarine (+318) at Estadi de la Ceramica.

Elsewhere, the absence of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was felt once more, as the Gunners were held to a goalless draw away to Italian side Atalanta in their opening match of the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s men have a tough assignment against Manchester City in the EPL this Sunday, with bookies favouring City (-117.65) to beat the Gunners (+357) at the Etihad.

Atalanta will be in domestic action on Monday night, with Bovada paying -212.77 for them to defeat relegation-threatened Como (+543) at Gewiss Stadium.

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