Atlético Madrid scored early and then defended well to beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League's round of 16 on Tuesday, spoiling the defending champion's return to the place where it won the European title last year.
Midfielder Saúl Ñíguez netted in the fourth minute and Atlético's defense successfully held off Liverpool's powerful attack to give Diego Simeone's team the edge going into the second leg on March 11 in England.
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Atlético Madrid scored early and then defended well to beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League's round of 16 on Tuesday, spoiling the defending champion's return to the place where it won the European title last year.
Atlético, enduring one of its worst stretches under Simeone, came in as a heavy underdog against the thriving European champions. Liverpool controlled possession throughout but couldn't find a way to break through the tight Atlético defense.
Atlético had a good chance to add to the lead in the 26th when striker Álvaro Morata, making his 50th Champions League appearance, had his shot blocked by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Atlético striker Diego Costa came off the bench in the 77th for his first appearance since undergoing surgery on a herniated cervical disc in November.
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Atletico Madrid's Saul, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)
Liverpool players react after the first goal of Atletico Madrid during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)
It was at Atlético's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium that Liverpool defeated Tottenham 2-0 last June to lift its fifth Champions League trophy. Tuesday's lineup was nearly identical for Liverpool, with defender Joe Gomez the only player who did not start in last year's final.
Atletico Madrid's Saul celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a first leg, round of 16, Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)
Atlético, enduring one of its worst stretches under Simeone, came in as a heavy underdog against the thriving European champions. Liverpool controlled possession throughout but couldn't find a way to break through the tight Atlético defense.
The hosts pressed early and it didn't take long before they opened the scoring. Ñíguez netted from close range after picking up a loose ball inside the area following a corner. The ball appeared to touch Liverpool midfielder Fabinho before reaching Ñíguez for an easy goal.
Liverpool, which had not trailed in 15 matches in all competitions, quickly worked its way into the game but it took nearly half an hour for the visitors to have an attempt on goal.
Atletico Madrid's Saul, second from right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a first leg, round of 16, Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)
Atlético had a good chance to add to the lead in the 26th when striker Álvaro Morata, making his 50th Champions League appearance, had his shot blocked by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Liverpool had a goal by Mohamed Salah ruled out for offside moments later, and the Egyptian again came close to equalizing in the 36th with a shot deflected by Atlético defender Felipe in front of the goal.
Salah's 53rd-minute header missed just wide, and Morata squandered another good opportunity for Atlético in the 68th.
Atletico Madrid's Renan Lodi, left, and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fight for the ball during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)
Atlético striker Diego Costa came off the bench in the 77th for his first appearance since undergoing surgery on a herniated cervical disc in November.
Atlético has conceded only one goal in its last 12 Champions League knockout matches at home.
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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk heads the ball next to Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa, right, during a first leg, round of 16, Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)
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Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, foreground, controls the ball as Atletico Madrid's Felipe defends during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)
Atletico Madrid's Saul, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)
Liverpool players react after the first goal of Atletico Madrid during a 1st leg, round of 16, of the Champions League soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (AP PhotoManu Fernandez)