Scorers: Dani Olmo (50’), Joao Felix (PEN,71’), Tyler Adams (88’)
Assist: Marcel Sabitzer, Angelino
3 things from the game:
- RB Leipzig took the initiative that was offered.
For most of the game, RB Leipzig we in absolute domination and control of the game, you wonder how Atletico were going to tide through and emerge victorious. From the 3min onwards, they carve great chances that sent the usual solidity of Atletico’s defensive side of the game into disarray. RB Leipzig’s attacking formation is a reflection of football in recent years – attacking heavy. Whenever they are in attack, Leipzig lined up in a 3-1-5-1 that not only over loaded the defence, but also outnumbered the midfield and the attack of Atletico.
It was this attack options that allowed for Leipzig to probe Atletico Madrid in an 18 pass move that led to the opportunity for Dani Olmo to sneak between 4 Atletico players and headed it past Oblak. Whenever Atletico did break, Leipzig we able to regroup in a 4-2-3-1 quickly to snuff out an opportunity by Atletico. This was assisted by the front 2 of Diego Costa and Marcos Llorente who are not the fastest of players to pounce on the opportunity.
The second goal came in near full time with a shot from outside the box from substitute Tyler Adams who found himself in acres of space after quick passing that transitioned from Sabitzer in the middle to Angelino on the wings which allowed the cut back to Adams, who was unmarked and though one can argue that it took a wicked deflection of Savic, it cannot be discredited that it was Leipzig fully who fully deserved the win.
Leipzig also pressed high and in numbers, often isolating 1 Atletico player to 3-4 of their own. It’s this tactical fluidity that has helped Leipzig overcome Simeone’s men.
2. Atletico’s passiveness cost them.
It is always known that Diego Simeone’s men would hunker down and be hard to beat. But the decision to not include the more mobile Morata and Felix would certainly be one that Simeone would have regretted. For most of the game, only Yannick Carrasco provided the spark to Atletico with the highlight being a good combination with Renan Lodi on the left hand side of the field which allowed Carrasco to get a shot off from a tight angle. And the 2 times where they were on the offensive, both having conceded a goal, was where they were most dangerous. Especially when Felix came on in the 58th minute and added a big attacking thrust to their attack.
It is a wonder why they did not start, but the thought process of Simeone would probably be to not get caught out by a fluid Leipzig side who could outpass them. But for all the critics that will come out and say that Simeone’s style of football is outdated and cannot function or have a place in football in the future, one should not forget that they are a team in transition having lost their key players over the summer in an overhaul. Only the future will tell if Simeone can marry his steel and defensive prowess with a less restrained attacking side that his team show they have potential in, especially with the highly rated youngster in Felix leading the line.
3. Leipzig’s clash with PSG will be between Master and student, team vs individuals.
Julian Nagelsmann was a former student of Thomas Tuchel. The latter giving the former his opportunity as a scout at Augsburg that created a pathway to becoming a coach. Both having navigated a Last eight tie that was tricky. Tuchel having to face an Atalanta side that were scoring goals for fun whilst Nagelsmann faced a side that rarely conceded goals. But both have passed and it will be interesting to see their encounter on 19 Aug 2020, 3am SGT.
PSG are firing on with the powers of Neymar and Mbappe. Neymar who showed his desire to win the Champions League by taking charge of their encounter with Atalanta whilst Mbappe showing why he is worth the hype by coming on as a game changer. Leipzig on the other hand showing that they fully understand their coach’s plans as well as having the ability to work collectively as a unit fluidly. The defensive strength of Upamecano, creative outlet of Sabitzer and the ability of Nagelsmann to make changes that move the tide of battle in their favour will certainly set up for a thrilling Champions League semi final.
It’s to note that the student has not overcome his master yet, but what a time it could be for Nagelsmann to pick his first win.
Written by: Baz
