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.

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.

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.

Atlético Madrid are set to host German champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Estadio Metropolitano this evening as Diego Simeone’s men chase a top-8 spot in the league phase of the Champions

To view video content, visit the Korea JoongAng Daily website or click “기사 원문” Julian Alvarez made Atletico Madrid’s comeback possible against Bayer Leverkusen by scoring two goals. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez speaks after his side's 2-1 win over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Champions League on Jan.

Atletico Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in a dramatic Champions League encounter at the intimidating Estadio Metropolitano.