Atletico Madrid's stunning solo goal helped them defeat Bayern Munich.

(Baonghean.vn) - Two weeks after eliminating Barcelona from the Champions League in the quarter-finals, Atletico Madrid faced another "giant," Bayern Munich, at their home stadium, Vicente Calderon. And coach Simeone's team continued to prove they are a formidable opponent for any major European team.

Similar to the previous match against Barca, Atletico's players didn't rush to push forward in attack, despite playing at home. However, this didn't mean they allowed their opponents to freely execute their plans. In the first 10 minutes, Bayern controlled possession better, but their passes were largely ineffective. Any attempts to move forward were immediately intercepted or contested.

Saul Nigez (17) took a shot that beat goalkeeper Neuer.

With that style of play, Atletico were the team that created more scoring opportunities through traditional counter-attacks, and the home team got what they wanted in the first 15 minutes: a goal. And it was a spectacular solo effort. In the 11th minute, Saul Niguez – Atletico Madrid's outstanding winger this season – unexpectedly accelerated from midfield, dribbling past four Bayern Munich players to enter the penalty area. His curling shot with the inside of his left foot was too difficult for goalkeeper Neuer to save. 1-0 for Atletico.

Graphic of a goal scored by Saul Niguez.

After scoring, Atletico reverted to their familiar defensive counter-attacking style. The red and white striped players dropped deep into their own half, leaving only Fernando Torres upfront. Bayern were naturally forced to push forward in attack, but their attacking combinations were easily broken down from afar by the aggressive pressing of the home team's midfielders. A stalemate – that's what Pep Guardiola's players displayed throughout the first half.

Atletico's aggressive pressing style of play caused Bayern a great deal of difficulty.

Entering the second half, the Bayern players performed significantly better in midfield and created numerous attacking opportunities. Under immense pressure, Atletico were forced to concede possession and stubbornly retreat into defense.

In the 55th minute, Austrian player David Alaba of Bayern Munich unexpectedly unleashed a shot from a considerable distance. Goalkeeper Oblak was helpless, but luck was not on the German team's side as the ball hit the crossbar. Two minutes later, Martinez's well-placed close-range header was also thwarted by Oblak's timely save.

In the following minutes, Pep's team continued to attack relentlessly, but the goalkeeper's brilliance, the defenders' concentration, and a bit of luck kept Atletico's goal intact.

Fernando Torres and the situation that nearly made it 2-0.

In the 75th minute, the score was almost increased to 2-0. In a textbook counter-attack, Fernando Torres received the ball on the right wing and executed a skillful dribble to beat the opposing defender. However, the striker's rather beautiful shot with the tip of his boot hit the post.

After 90 minutes, Bayern Munich had to accept a 0-1 defeat at Vicente Calderon. Atletico Madrid now have a significant advantage going into the second leg next week, on the morning of May 4th.

Mai Anh