Atletico Madrid scores early and beats Dortmund 2-1 in Spain

Atletico Madrid seized a crucial 2-1 victory at home against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals, gaining a slim advantage ahead of the return leg at Signal Iduna Park.

The opening goal came early in the 4th minute when a moment of hesitation from Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel led to a swift interception by Atletico’s Rodrigo de Paul, who clinically dispatched the ball into the net.

Atletico doubled their lead in the 30th minute after a collision between Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck allowed Alvaro Morata to set up Antoine Griezmann, who cleverly fed Samuel Lino for an unmarked finish into the bottom corner.

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Borussia Dortmund mounted a late comeback attempt, with Julian Brandt orchestrating an attacking move that found Sebastien Aler in the penalty area. Despite the efforts of Atletico’s Cesar Azpilicueta, Aler managed to fire home a goal with a decisive strike in the 81st minute.

With the tie delicately poised, both teams will anticipate a fiercely contested second leg as they vie for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.