Three matches for the money of one: Dortmund trumps Witsel and Simeone in a spectacle match and advances to the semi-finals

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From 2-0 to 2-2 to 4-2: what a spectacle match, although we actually got three matches for the money of one. Before half-time, it was a match in which Edin Terzic outdid his Atlético colleague Diego Simeone, who was twelve years his senior, with his field occupancy. The start of the second half was the match of a great counter move from Simeone, but it ended with a display of German Sturm und Drang.

Four goals conceded, and in the case of Witsel, the rightmost of the central trio at Atlético, you leave the field with a bad feeling. The ex-Red Devil was not caught making any blunders, but he could (and should) have defended more sharply in some phases. It didn’t help that his flank was overrun in the first half.

Witsel was the only Belgian on the field: Arthur Vermeeren took a post on the bench. Julien Duranville was there at Dortmund.

After less than five minutes it could have been 1-1. First Dortmund had a great chance through Sabitzer, then Atlético through Morata. After five minutes of Blitzkrieg over the entire battlefield, Atlético crawled into the trenches and was overrun. The Germans targeted Molina’s flank and found space between him and Witsel.

Diego Simeone outplayed by Terzic

After 33 minutes, Witsel was caught in the wind by Brandt, but the angle from which he was able to kick was sharp. Goalkeeper Oblak could also be blamed for the fact that the ball did go in.

Five minutes later it was already 2-0. Sabitzer was able to receive the ball in front of Witsel, after which he passed it back to Ian Maatsen. The Dutchman also managed to score from an acute angle.

Diego Simeone had replaced left winger Lino’s suspension by moving Azpilicueta there and posting Molina on the left, but Terzic had seen and found opportunities there.

Other Atlético to triple exchange

The Atlético coach intervened halfway through with a three-way substitution, and it was no coincidence that his two full-backs were left behind: Morata, Molina and Azpilicueta had to make way for Correa, Barrios and Riquelme.

Atlético made a dream start, as after 49 minutes Hummels put the ball into his own goal. Eight minutes later, the Madrid team launched a wonderful attack through the centre, initiated by Witsel. Correa placed the ball wide. It was a postponement, because a little later Atlético delivered another great attack, which was completed by Correa: 2-2 and Atlético had the advantage.

But there is a cliché about Germans. With a great header after a cross in one moment, Füllkrug gave Dortmund the lead again. Two minutes later, Sabitzer set Signal Iduna Park on fire with the 4-2, Witsel turned with his back to him when he pressed. Dortmund to the semi-finals.