Atletico Madrid Moves Closer to Champions League Semi-Finals with 2-1 Win
Morata's Brace Earns Atletico First-Leg Victory
Result Ends Real Madrid's 100% Start to La Liga Season
Atletico Madrid has taken a significant step towards returning to the Champions League semifinals after securing a 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash. Alvaro Morata emerged as the hero for the Spanish side, scoring both goals in the second half.
The result puts Atletico in a commanding position ahead of the second leg, which will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on April 18. Dortmund, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to overturn the deficit and reach the last four.
After a goalless first half, the game burst into life after the break. Morata broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, pouncing on a rebound from close range after Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel had parried Joao Felix's shot.
Dortmund responded well to the setback and drew level through Julian Brandt's 71st-minute equalizer. However, Morata had the final say, heading home Yannick Carrasco's cross in the 88th minute to give Atletico the advantage.
The victory was a significant one for Atletico, not only in terms of their Champions League aspirations but also in the context of their rivalry with Real Madrid. The result ends Real's perfect start to the La Liga season, with Carlo Ancelotti's men having won all 10 of their previous games.
Atletico now has the chance to complete a memorable week when they face Real in the Madrid derby on Sunday. A win for Diego Simeone's team would further boost their hopes of securing a top-four finish in La Liga and would also provide a major psychological blow to their cross-city rivals.
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