Julian Alvarez’s second-half brace powers Atlético Madrid to a 2-1 win, overcoming Piero Hincapie’s opener and a first-half red card for Pablo Barrios.

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 host Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League with both sides vying for a place in the round of 16 at the end of the league phase. Diego Simeone's men come into this 11th in the UCL standings and one point off the top eight with Xabi Alonso's side fourth with 13 points from six games.

Leverkusen broke through in first-half stoppage time, Nordi Mukiele lofting a cross for Hincapie to head past Atletico goalie Jan Oblak. In the second-half, the early control evaporated as both sides played end-to-end, with Atletico using the chaos to equalise.

Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

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

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

Bayer Leverkusen saw their run of 11 straight UEFA Champions League wins ended 2-1 by Atletico Madrid on Monday. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Pablo Barrios was sent off in the first half, Atletico capitalised on a second-half change of pace to secure victory and move into the top three in the group.