Simeone admits fair result as Brugge fightback denies Atletico in Champions League classic

Atletico made a blistering start and stormed into a two-goal advantage in the first half. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring before Ademola Lookman doubled the lead to put the visitors firmly in control.

The momentum shifted dramatically after the break as the Belgian champions responded with purpose. Raphael Onyedika pulled one back before Nicolo Tresoldi struck minutes later to level the contest before the hour mark.

Atletico thought they had secured a crucial away victory when they edged back in front with 11 minutes remaining, courtesy of an own goal by Joel Ordonez.

Shandre Campbell, a Bafana Bafana international, was introduced from the bench for Brugge in the 82nd minute. The hosts continued to press and were rewarded late on, grabbing a deserved equaliser in the 89th minute to leave the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.

Speaking after the match, Atletico head coach Diego Simeone reflected on a demanding night in Belgium and admitted a draw was a fair reflection of the contest.

"The Champions League demands defensive and offensive strength. In a difficult stadium, we had a 0–2 and 2–3 lead, the opponent drew level fairly," Simeone said.

"In the first half, we felt we were playing well, but the context of the match suggests it was a fair draw.

"We can talk about whatever you want to find any criticism you want to see, but we were accurate and there were situations that we could have handled better in defence.

"They're possibly the most intense opponent we've faced in the Champions League, they're very young.

"I leave with the feeling that the team competed very well against an opponent that isn't easy to beat here."