“Players like Xabi Alonso in midfield have the capacity to read the whole game,” Simeone said then. “Alonso’s return meant Madrid found the famous ‘balance’ their coach (then Carlo Ancelotti) was looking for. But the balance is Xabi Alonso, not the others.”

Piero Hincapie had put Leverkusen a goal up in the first half, following Pablo Barrios' red card for Atleti, which had looked like it put the visitors on course for victory

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said their 2-1 comeback win over Bayer Leverkusen would live long in the memory as he praised his side's bravery after they played more than an hour with 10 men in a thrilling Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his side's intelligence in Tuesday's 2-1 come-from-behind home win over Bayer Leverkusen, saying the victory was "no coincidence".

Diego Simeone praises Atletico Madrids comeback victory over Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting key moments and team spirit in the Champions League.

Atletico was forced to play with 10 men when Pablo Barrios was red-carded 23 minutes in, with Leverkusen taking the lead through Piero Hincapie in first-half stoppage time.

Manchester City star Jack Grealish has sent a message of congratulations the way of former teammate Julián Álvarez.This, of course, comes owing to the latter’s heroics in Atlético Madrid’s

Poppy Miller, Tony Meola, Nigel Reo-Coker & Mike Grella break down Julián Alvarez's wonderful performance as his two goals helped Diego Simeone and Atlético Madrid comeback and win 2-1 against Bayer Leverkusen!

Diego Simeone said Julián Álvarez is destined to end up "in a special place" with Atlético Madrid after scoring twice -- including a 90th minute winner -- in their 2-1 comeback win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid fought back to rescue a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday as Julian Alvarez's second-half brace cancelled out Piero Hincapie's opener in an action-packed game which ended with both sides down to 10 men.

Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez scored a 90th-minute winner to lift Atletico Madrid past Bayer Leverkusen 2-1

Julian Alvarez scored a second-half brace as a 10-man Atletico Madrid came from a goal down to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at home on Tuesday, and take a major step towards a top-eight finish.