Julian Alvarez scored his first goal of the season as 10-man Atletico Madrid fought back to draw 1-1 with Stuttgart in the Champions League.
Stuttgart had controlled much of the first half and eventually took a deserved lead when Jamie Leweling struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 36th minute.
The Bundesliga side had won their opening two matches in the competition and created several chances before Leweling gave them the advantage. However, their failure to extend that lead proved costly shortly after half-time.
Alvarez equalised just 80 seconds into the second half with a composed sweeping finish. Substitute Ademola Lookman, introduced at the interval, picked out the Argentina forward unmarked inside the area, allowing him to bring Diego Simeone’s side level.
The goal was Alvarez’s first of the season after a summer of uncertainty, during which Barcelona attempted to sign him from Atletico. The Spanish club refused to sell the striker to their La Liga rivals.
Atletico appeared capable of taking control after the equaliser, but their task became considerably more difficult when midfielder Morten Hjulmand was dismissed in the 64th minute.
Hjulmand was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Angelo Stiller, who had been one of Stuttgart’s most influential players throughout the match. Atletico were consequently forced to defend with 10 men for the final 26 minutes.
Stuttgart applied sustained pressure in search of a winning goal, but could not find a way through. Their best late opportunity fell to defender Jeff Chabot, who headed wide from Maximilian Mittelstadt’s corner.
Atletico held on for a hard-earned point, having recovered from a first-half performance in which Stuttgart had enjoyed the majority of possession and chances. The hosts will regret not making that dominance count before Alvarez’s quick equaliser changed the game.