Atlético entered their tie against RB Leipzig as favorites to make it to the semis, but in the end, a deflected shot was all it took for underdogs RB Leipzig to claim the final four spot.
The German side dominated most stats in the game and even took the lead thanks to a well-placed header by Dani Olmo. Atlético fought back and found the equalizer thanks to a penalty kick by Joao Félix, but as the game came close to enter stoppage time, American midfielder Tyler Adams found the back of the net with a shot that was deflected by Stefan Savic's foot.
What really stands out is that Adams had not been able to score a single goal for RB Leipzig. Something tells us that he chose the right time to do so.
28 - Tyler Adams' strike was his first ever goal for RB Leipzig in what is his 28th appearance. Stage. pic.twitter.com/Eq9MBKEl86
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2020
Moreover, Adams was also able to write his name in golden letters, as no other USMNT footballer had been able to score a last eight goal in the UEFA Champions League.
Tyler Adams is the first American to score a #UCL goal in the quarter-finals or later.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 13, 2020
Good time to score his first goal for the club pic.twitter.com/rpg6bE7STN
Adams' goal was also helpful for RB Leipzig in adding their name to an elite list of teams that have played in the UEFA Champions League semis. "RB Leipzig only needed 15 UCL games to reach the tournament's semi-finals. The German club has joined a list that includes Valencia (1999-00), Leeds United (2000-01), and Villarreal as the only teams to accomplish that feat."
RB Leipzig solo necesitó 15 partidos de #UCL para llegar a las semifinales. desde 1999-00, solo Valencia (1999-00), Leeds United (2000-01) y Villarreal (2005-06) han podido hacerlo. pic.twitter.com/YGSRAFQUDF
— ESPN Datos (@ESPNDatos) August 13, 2020
And if you needed a curious fact to RB Leipzig's feat, here is one that has to do with none other than CR7.
RB Leipzig are the first team to knock Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League without Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad! pic.twitter.com/yU4Z4UPIUV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 13, 2020
Have a look at Adams' goal for RB Leipzig (Image might be geo-restricted).
Tyler Adams does it!!
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) August 13, 2020
The American man puts Leipzig up 2-1 with minutes remaining! pic.twitter.com/HShBjxNXGz