Atleti take Anfield to reach Champions League quarterfinals
A Llorente brace and a last-minute strike from Morata sent our team to the Champions League quarterfinals thanks to a 3-2 win at Liverpool on Wednesday.
March 11, 2020 will go down in Atleti history. Our team pulled off a sensational 3-2 win at Anfield to beat the European champions 4-2 on aggregate and qualify for the continent’s best competition’s quarterfinals… And we did it in style.
We had a big chance just seconds into the game, as a fantastic through ball from Joao Félix found Diego Costa, but the striker was off target. The hosts answered with a shot from the right edge of the box which Oblak denied. The home fans tried to make as much noise as possible, but our players stood their ground well. In fact, we collected several more chances throughout the opening 45 minutes, including a close-range header from Felipe that flew just wide. Unfortunately, Liverpool took the lead on the brink of half-time through a Wijnaldum header.
The goal meant that we reached the break with a 1-1 aggregate score. Jürgen Klopp’s side started the second half well, applying pressure and trying to net the second. But Atleti were also dangerous on the break, and Joao Félix was close to scoring after a solo run. Adrián denied. Simeone’s first move was to bring Llorente on for Costa, meaning that Correa moved to attack. Liverpool had a massive chance to score for the second time as Robertson headed the ball onto the crossbar following a cross from the opposite flank. But our team held on and the game headed to extra-time.
Vrsaljko came on for Trippier after 90 minutes, and we were dealt a very tough blow immediately after. Firmino headed the ball onto the post but got the rebound and pushed the ball into the back of the net to make things 2-0. The goals meant we were out, but Atleti never give up… And then things got wild. Llorente scored shortly thereafter to put us in front on aggregate on away goals and breathe life into our team. Simeone brought Morata on for Joao Félix, and 105 minutes into the clash Llorente – once again – scored to pull off a sensational comeback. Simeone’s men held on despite Liverpool and Anfield’s pressure and in the last minute, Morata scored on the break to win not just the tie but also the match and send every Atleti fan into delirium.
We’re through to the Champions League quarterfinals.
