LISBON, Portugal (AP) – For an American accustomed to scoring, Tyler Adams knows how to make his mark on European football.
The midfielder acted as a substitute to score a goal in both the 88th minute that gave Leipzig a 2–1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Thursday, sending the German club to the last four European competitions for the first time.
It was Adams’ first purpose for the club and also made him the first American to score in the quarter-finals or later in the Champions League.
“When I arrived, I sought to bring power and assistance to the team in every single way possible,” Adams said. “Getting your first lens is a little unforeseen for me. I’m not a typical goalscorer, but I’m happy to help the team.”
Adams scored with a shot from outside the area that diverted a defender, ensuring that Leipzig’s unexpected European streak would continue in the quarter-finals.
It is possible that now is only the time for the American to play in a Champions League semi-final after DaMarcus Beasley gave the impression that PSV Eindhoven opposed AC Milan in 2005.
“Today, when I was handed over to that game, I said I wasn’t going to start, but I had to be in a position to get out of the bank and make an impact,” Adams said.
Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Leipzig at 51 and Joel Felix tied for Atletico in the aftermath at 71.
The result ended another named race for Atletico, who was a big favorite to succeed in the semi-finals but will again suffer a disappointing elimination. Diego Simeone’s appearance has eliminated backup champion Liverpool in the last 16 games and was looking to return to the last 4 for the first time since 2017, a year after losing his final moment in 3 seasons.
Leipzig, founded years ago with Red Bull’s investment, will face Paris Saint-Germain, which eliminated Atalanta in the quarter-finals in Lisbon on Wednesday.
The Champions League ends the season amid the coronavirus pandemic with an eighth final tournament in Lisbon. The semi-finals will take up the next week and the last will take place on 23 August.
Making only his appearance at the time in the Champions League, Leipzig looked more damaging than Atletico for the maximum fit at the José Alvalade Stadium. Neither team created many significant opportunities, but it was Leipzig who threatened their fast passes and player moves to the fullest.
Part of this action in front of the area led to the headbutt of Olmo after a center from the right wing.
Atletico stepped forward after Portuguese striker Joel Félix came from the bench in the moment and tied for the consequences following a foul in the area. Felix, former Benfica star, plays in the rival stadium of Lisbon.
Atletico sought the tie, but may not avoid the past getaway that ended with the team’s name hopes.
“I’m convinced we gave it our all, ” said Simeone. “But it wasn’t enough. We have to look up and review next season.
Adams, who entered the game at 72, hit a pass from the left and sent a right foot shot that diverted Atletico defender Stefan Savic and knocked out goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
“It’s a deviation, it counts as a normal deviation, so I’ll take it,” Adams said.
Adams joined Leipzig in January 2019 from Red Bull club owner New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.
Leipzig made his deyet in the 16th circular after a past appearance at the European competition level. He eliminated Tottenham in the 16th circular, but entered the round of 16 without the most sensible scorer Timo Werner after joining Chelsea.
“Tonight we are happy, we will start hunting at the PSG,” said leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann. “It’s going to be another tough game, but we’ll have a plan.”
___
More AP https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
___
Azzoni Tales on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni