A tense affair at the Wanda Metropolitano saw Atletico Madrid secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Diego Simeone’s side started with wild intensity; their high pressing caused early problems for Dortmund. The visitors’ first-leg jitters were compounded by a sloppy giveaway from Ian Maatsen, which Rodrigo De Paul capitalized on to fire Atletico into the lead. The Rojiblancos continued to dominate, with Axel Witsel forcing a good save from Gregor Kobel. Another defensive lapse from Dortmund, this time by Mats Hummels, allowed Atletico to double their lead through Samuel Lino. Despite the two-goal cushion, a needless yellow card for Lino meant he missed the return leg.

“We started strong, exactly how we wanted to. The high press created problems for them, and we capitalized on their mistakes. We need to maintain this intensity in the second leg,” Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid manager), said.

Edin Terzic’s men emerged with renewed purpose after the break, controlling possession but struggling to break down Atletico’s defense. The introduction of Sebastien Haller in the second half finally yielded a goal for Dortmund. The towering striker made the most of his limited Champions League experience this season, pulling a goal back with nine minutes remaining. Dortmund almost snatched an equalizer in the dying moments, but they couldn’t find a way past Oblak.

“We weren’t at our best in that first half. We need to find a way to break through their press and create more chances. We still believe we can turn this tie around,”Edin Terzic (Dortmund manager), said.

While Atletico hold a slender advantage, this tie is far from over. Dortmund’s second-half display showed they have the capability to hurt this Atletico side, especially with a crucial away goal in the bag. Atletico, however, remain formidable at home under Simeone, exhibiting an unbeaten Champions League knockout record at the Wanda Metropolitano. The return leg promises to be a tense and absorbing encounter, with a place in the Champions League semifinals on the line.

“It was great to get that goal. It gives us a lifeline in the tie. We knew we had to come out stronger in the second half, and we managed to do that. The atmosphere here was electric, but we’ll have our own fans behind us at home next week,” Sebastien Haller (Dortmund striker), said.

Both managers acknowledged the importance of the away goal and the challenges that lie ahead. Diego Simeone, ever the pragmatist, remained cautious: “We have a good lead, but it’s only half the job done. Dortmund are a dangerous team, especially away from home. We need to be fully prepared for another battle in the return leg.” Edin Terzic, Dortmund’s manager, struck a more optimistic tone: “We’re disappointed not to get the draw tonight, but that away goal is massive. We showed great character in the second half, and we know we can cause them problems at home. It’s all to play for.” With both sides possessing dangerous attacking threats and resolute defenses, the return leg promises to be a fascinating tactical duel that will decide who progresses to the Champions League semi-finals.