Atlético Madrid edges Liverpool 1-0 in Champions League

By: Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press Posted: 4:08 PM CST Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 Last Modified: 5:54 PM CST Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020

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MADRID - Atlético Madrid’s defence was back at its best on Tuesday, too good even for the European champions.

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MADRID - Atlético Madrid’s defence was back at its best on Tuesday, too good even for the European champions.

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MADRID – Atlético Madrid’s defence was back at its best on Tuesday, too good even for the European champions.

Atlético Madrid scored early and then defended superbly 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’sdefense kept Liverpool’s powerful attack from having a single attempt on target, giving Diego Simeone’s team the edge going into the second leg on March 11 in England.

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 Photo/Bernat Armangue)

“The concentration level of the Atlético defence was exceptional today,” Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp said. “I’m not disappointed with how we played. We were not good enough in the last third.”

It was at Atlético’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium that Liverpool defeated Tottenham 2-0 last June to lift its sixth European Cup 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.

“It’s not the best night ever because we didn’t win a trophy,” Simeone said. “But there are nights you don’t forget. The best team in the world came here and we beat them. But it’s only one game. We still have one to go.”

Enduring one of its worst stretches under Simeone, Atléticocame in as a heavy underdog against the thriving European champions, who had not lost a game in any competition in 2020.

Liverpool controlled possession throughout but couldn’t find a way to break through the tight Atlético defence.

It was only the second time that Liverpool failed to have an attempt on target under Klopp — the other coming in a 1-0 Champions League loss against Napoli in 2018.

“We had the ball most of the game,” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said. “We couldn’t create massive opportunities, but we have another 90 minutes to set it straight and should be full of confidence.”

Klopp also liked Liverpool’s chances going into the second leg.

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 Photo/Manu Fernandez)

“It’s only 1-0. We are not 5-0 down,” he said. “We don’t think its going to be easy, but we think we have a chance. As long as we can get 11 players in a Liverpool shirt, we will try it with all we have.”

Atlético pressed early and it didn’t take long before itopened 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 havean attempt.

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.

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.It lost only once in 26 European home games, and is unbeaten in its last 14 Champions League knockout matches as a host.