Morata makes his point by scoring winner for Atletico Madrid

Alvaro Morata came off bench and rescued Atletico Madrid when his late header gave Diego Simeone's side a gritty 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League on Tuesday. Morata dropped after missing chances in Atletico's draw with Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, played as if he had a point to prove in a match-winning cameo at Wanda Metropolita. "He started on bench," said Simeone. "But came on with motivation of a little boy." Victory leaves Atletico with seven points from ir opening three games in Group D and on brink of qualification, with only top spot seems to be settled, most likely with Juventus.

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For Leverkusen, three defeats from three all but ends ir hopes of progress and continues a disappointing start to season that also has m sitting ninth in Bundesliga. Atletico have been on a poor run mselves, managing only two wins from ir last eight games in all competitions and slipping to fifth in league, behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid. This was hardly a performance to alleviate concerns, particularly about ir fluidity in attack, but Morata's goal at least gets m back to winning and ensures ir task in group st is almost complete.

"Goals give you confidence and winning gives you enthusiasm," Simeone said. " Morata goal brought everyone toger." Simeone will have been worried to see his central defender Jose Gimenez forced off injured in 15th minute. He would appear unlikely to recover in time for Atletico's game at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

When Mario Hermoso replaced Gimenez, it meant Atletico's defence was made up entirely of summer signings. "We hope injury is as light as possible," Simeone said. When se sides last met in last 16 in 2017, Leverkusen's Kai Havertz was unable to play because of school exams. promising 20-year-old started upfront on Tuesday but was starved of service. A frantic opening 10 minutes set tone for a first-half that was high on intensity but lacking eir creativity or clear-cut chances. Costa almost pounced after Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky scooped up Angel Correa's shot but failed to keep hold of ball.

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More ambitious

Orwise, frustration grew. Costa lambasted Koke for a missed pass and Simeone castigated Kieran Trippier for losing possession and igring a simple ball inside. After half-time both sides were more ambitious. Costa could have scored but failed to connect with a free header from Trippier's cross. Costa n felt he should have had a penalty when Sven Bender slipped and striker stepped on fallen defender's hand and went down. Referee Artur Dias waved away appeals.

Thomas Lemar and Morata came on for Correa and Koke, who was whistled as he departed, only for a furious Simeone to order fans to clap, which most of m duly did. Both substitutes were involved in winner. Lemar drove through midfield and played ball left to Renan Lodi, who curved a brilliant cross to near post, where Morata powered in, his header too strong for Hradecky's right hand. Morata celebrated by running to bench. He was feral in remaining minutes, rampaging at Leverkusen's back-line and chasing down as many clearances as he could. Kevin Volland had Leverkusen's only sniff of an equalizer but his finish was blocked and Atletico held on.

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