Diego Simeone sprints down the touchline to celebrate with his Atletico Madrid players after Julian Alvarez's last-gasp Champions League winner
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Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone was a jubilant member of his side's celebrating squad after Julian Alvarez netted a late winner to help boost their chances of automatic Champions League qualification. The hosts on Tuesday evening were deadlocked at 1-1 with visitors Bayer Leverkusen, after levelling in the 53rd minute via Alvarez's opener.
![[The manager celebrated with his players after Julian Alvarez netted the latest of winners]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/22/94368845-14310755-image-a-51_1737499707402.jpg)
But with the prospect of a round of play-off matches for teams who do not finish in the top eight of the league phase, Simeone's side were intent on chasing the winner late on in the tie at the Metropolitano. In the 89th minute, Leverkusen's defences were eventually overturned, with Alvarez again the hero of the hour as he picked up a sneaked pass into the box from team-mate Angel Correa.
![[Simeone then sprinted back up the touchline back to his dugout as Atletico saw out the win]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/22/94368853-14310755-image-a-52_1737499712183.jpg)
Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar slid to the turf to make the save, but with the ball glued to his feet, Alvarez angled a tightly struck shot past the prone 'keeper to help the hosts secure the win on home soil. But as Alvarez celebrated by the corner flag with his sprinting team-mates and those substitutes on the sidelines warming up, the throng were joined by an unexpected member of the side.
![[Julian Alvarez (centre) has a formidable Champions League record, with 18 goal contributions in just 13 total starts]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/22/94368895-14310755-image-a-53_1737499716431.jpg)
JULIAN ALVAREZ SURELY WINS IT FOR ATLETICO ⚽️Cool as you like from the Argentine as he rounds Oblak to slot into the empty net to put Atleti 2-1 ahead 🔥📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/78ifniZy10. Atletico Madrid Diego Simeone (centre) was a surprise fixture in his side's wild celebrations.
