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.

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.

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.

Diego Simeone praises Atletico Madrids comeback victory over Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting key moments and team spirit in the Champions League.

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.

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 fought back to rescue a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday as Julian Alvarez's second-half brace cancelled out Piero Hincapie's opener in an action-packed game which ended with both sides down to 10 men.

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.