Atletico Madrid rebounded from the brink of defeat after suffering two goals to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday’s shattering Group D opener.
The Spaniards were the stronger side in the first half but Juventus gained the lead in the 48th minute when Juan Cuadrado fired an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner after penetrating through the Atletico defense.
Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet after in the match, as the Portuguese legend scored a hat-trick against Atletico in last season’s last 16, but his side doubled their lead in the 65th minute with a header from midfielder Blaise Matuidi following another swift counter attack.
Stefan Savic pulled a goal back for the Spaniards in the 70th with a header from a close range, as Atheltico began to strike back against the Italian champs. Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera leveled in the 90th minute with a header from the corner.
"This team is renowned for suffering and fighting until the end. This result tastes better than most draws, of course we wanted to win but a draw is good given how tough Juventus are," said Herrera, who joined Atletico from Porto in the close season.
"A draw isn't bad at all given the team we were up against and we were better than them in many moments of the game. I'm so happy to have made my debut and to help the team."
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