Champions League: Alvarez’s double sinks Bayer Leverkusen as Atlético Madrid triumph in Spain

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Julián Alvarez scored two second half goals to help Atlético Madrid defeat Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Atlético pulled off a remarkable Champions League victory against Leverkusen despite playing with 10 men for 65 minutes.

The game took an early twist when Pablo Barrios received a red card in the 25th minute. His sliding tackle caught Nordi Mukiele’s leg, prompting Italian referee Davide Massa to consult the VAR and send him off.

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Leverkusen capitalised on their numerical advantage just before halftime as Piero Hincapie headed in Mukiele’s cross to give them the lead. The German side looked set to climb to second in the group standings.

However, Atlético, playing at an electrifying Estadio Metropolitano, emerged a different side after the break. Despite the odds, they mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half.

Julián Alvarez drew Atlético level in the 53rd minute, finishing a swift counter-attack while shrugging off two Leverkusen defenders. His goal brought the home crowd to life and set the tone for an intense end to the game.

Meanwhile, Atlético players and manager Diego Simeone were livid when Florian Wirtz, already on a yellow, escaped a second booking for fouling Alvarez. Tensions boiled over as the match grew increasingly heated.

Leverkusen, unable to maintain their composure, found themselves down to 10 men after Hincapie received a second yellow for fouling Giuliano Simeone – son of Diego Simeone. This turn of events leveled the playing field and set up a dramatic conclusion.

With both sides down to 10 men, Atlético delivered the final blow. In the dying moments, Alvarez rounded Leverkusen keeper Matej Kovar to score the winner. His 90th-minute strike sent the stadium into rapturous celebrations.

Atlético Madrid now sit third in the standings, while Leverkusen remain sixth.

Tags: Julián Alvarez, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, #ATMLEV, #ATMBAY, #ChampionsLeague, Champions League, #UCL, Pablo Barrios, Nordi Mukiele, Davide Massa, Piero Hincapie, Diego Simeone, Giuliano Simeone, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.