Atletico Madrid pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the Champions League, despite being reduced to 10 men early in the game.
Julian Alvarez was the hero for Atletico, scoring twice, including a last-minute winner that lifted the Spanish side to third in the group standings.
Atletico’s hopes seemed in jeopardy when Pablo Barrios was sent off in the 25th minute after a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Nordi Mukiele.
Leverkusen capitalized just before halftime, with Piero Hincapie heading in from Mukiele’s cross to put the visitors ahead.
However, Atletico roared back in the second half as Alvarez equalized in the 53rd minute, holding off defenders before firing past goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Tempers flared throughout the match, with Atletico players and coach Diego Simeone calling for Florian Wirtz’s dismissal after a challenge on Alvarez while already on a yellow card.
Leverkusen’s indiscipline proved costly when Hincapie was sent off for a second booking, leveling the playing field.
Alvarez then secured a thrilling victory by rounding Kovar and slotting home in the dying moments, sparking wild celebrations at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Atletico now sit third, while Leverkusen drop to sixth, both aiming for a top-eight finish to secure a direct spot in the last 16.
