Atletico midfielder Pablo Barrios was sent off for a nasty, studs-up challenge after 23 minutes and Leverkusen took advantage as Piero Hincapie put the visiting side ahead in first-half stoppage time.

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.

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

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.

Two second half goals from Julian Álvarez, including a last minute winner, saw Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat Bayer Leverkusen. Pablo Barrios was sent off inside a half an hour, following a challenge on Nordi Mukiele that was upgraded to red by VAR.

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.