[Champions League] Atletico Secures 1-0 Victory Over Defending Champion Liverpool

On the 19th (Korean time), Atletico Madrid players celebrated their 1-0 victory against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 held at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid. Photo by Atletico Madrid official Twitter capture.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over the 'defending champion' Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

On the 19th (Korean time), Atletico won 1-0 against Liverpool in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg held at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.

With this result, Atletico only needs a draw in the second leg away match against Liverpool to advance to the quarterfinals.

In the 4th minute of the first half, during an Atletico corner kick, Koke's corner was deflected off Fabinho's foot and spilled out. Saul seized the opportunity and scored the opening goal amid a scramble in front of the goal. There was an offside controversy leading to a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, but the goal was confirmed.

After the early opening goal, Atletico played defensively to manage the game.

In the 25th minute of the first half, Salah connected Firmino's pass into a goal, but it was disallowed due to Firmino being offside.

At the start of the second half, Liverpool substituted Mane for Origi, and in the 27th minute, Chamberlain came on for Salah in an attempt to change the momentum, but it was ineffective.

Both teams finished the match without further significant chances, and Atletico earned a valuable win against last season's champion Liverpool.