The most chaotic ending ever to a Champions League match | OneFootball

Could Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen repeat the chaotic classic that was their last encounter?

Say what you will about the new Champions League format, it has served up a number of mouthwatering ties this season. It’s had its fair share of duds, no doubt, but we’ve also gotten matchups that will be remembered for years, such as Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund’s seven-goal thriller or Barcelona’s stunning 4-1 win over Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen’s meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday could be the next instant classic in this year’s competition. It has many of the ingredients for it; two top-class sides with something to play for. Just one point separate Xabi Alonso’s side from Diego Simeone’s and victory will go a long way to determining which team will finish in the top eight.

If it’s anything like the last time they faced off, then we’re in for a treat.

Atletico Madrid 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen, Uefa Champions League, 26 October, 2022

The hosts got off to an ignominious start when star player Antoine Griezmann lost possession in his third. Two passes later and Moussa Diaby, who moved to Aston Villa the following summer, caressed the ball into the net.

It didn’t take long for Atletico to respond as Yannick Carrasco hit a first-time shot from the edge of the box into the goal in the 22nd minute.

Leverkusen retook the long in short order, however, and it was thanks to another fine mess at the back. Angel Correa was dispossessed close to goal by Nadiem Amiri, who laid it off to Callum Hudson-Odoi for their second of the night.

Atletico came out from the break hungry for an equaliser and it only took them five minutes to find one. Carrasco was involved again, finding Rodrigo De Paul just outside the area and the Argentina international swung a lovely strike into the far side of the net.

The Spanish outfit, desperate for three points, pushed for a winner right the last second, but the visitors relented until the final whistle. Except the game was even finished after it was blown.

The VAR spotted a handball from Odilon Kossonou and, after going to the monitor, referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot. Carrasco had the chance to seal a massive win, but Lukas Hradecky guessed right and denied him the winner.

Saul Niguez followed up for the rebound but his header bounced back off the bar. The ball fell to Reinildo Mandava, but his effort was blocked by the foot of his own teammate. Carrasco’s foot, to be precise. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Every Leverkusen player jumped for joy after the incredible scenes we had all just witnessed. Except for one. Mitchell Bakker went straight to Carrasco to harang and gloat in the face of the Belgian, like a mad man possessed. It has to be one of the most dramatic finishes to a game ever.

It was a crucial point for Leverkusen, who finished third behind FC Porto and Club Brugge, while Atletico, six years after appearing in the final, finished dead and were eliminated from the Champions League.

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