RB Leipzig beat Atletico Madrid to reach first ever UCL semi-final

RB Leipzig have defeated Atletico Madrid to reach their first ever UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final — barely 11 years after their formation.

The German Bundesliga side overcame the gritty style of the Spanish La Liga club to win 2-1 on Thursday night, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo and Tyler Adams.

Leipzig fashioned the first chance on six minutes but Marcel Halstenberg, a defender, volleyed high and wide from eight yards. Atletico responded through Yannick Carrasco’s side-footed effort that was turned away by Peter Gulacsi.

The first half would drift off with little effort towards goal from both teams and the match remained goalless at the interval, despite RB Leipzig having more possession.

Things changed five minutes into the second period when RB Leipzig took the lead through Olmo. The Spanish midfielder sent a glancing header beyond Jan Oblak to give Liepzig a 1-0 lead and his fourth goal in five UCL matches.

Twelve of Atletico’s last 14 goals have been scored after halftime and the Madrid side duly responded following the introduction of Joao Felix, the £113 million Portuguese youngster. The 20-year-old won a penalty twelve minutes after his introduction and converted the spotkick to make it 1-1 with 20 minutes left.

RB Leipzig, however, broke Atletico Madrid hearts with a deflected goal that proved to be the match winner on 88 minutes through Tyler Adams, a substitute. The 21-year-old American’s shot from the edge of the area deflected off Stefan Savic’s leg and wrong-footed Oblak for 2-1.

Atletico camped in their opposition’s half in search of a second equaliser with Oblak also going up for a corner kick, but the usually sturdy Spanish team could not find the target and crash out of the competition.

RB Leipzig will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final next week, with the final to take place on August 23.

The Leipzig-based side — in only their second ever year competing in the tournament – became the third Bundesliga club to reach the UCL last four since 2011.