Julian Nagelsmann points to attacking intent as reason for RB Leipzig progress in Champions League

The German boss out-thought rival Diego Simeone to book a spot in the Champions League semi-finals

Julian Nagelsmann masterminded a Champions League quarter-final victory for RB Leipzig against Atletico Madrid and said his side’s approach fully vindicated the win.

Goals from Dani Olmo and Tyler Adams, the latter’s shot deflected in off Stefan Savic, put the Bundesliga side through to the last four to face Paris Saint-Germain.

Both PSG and Leipzig take their place in the semis courtesy of late winners, but for Nagelsmann this was the reward for the more enterprising approach on the night.

“Atletico defended very good, but we were better in the final third,” he told BT Sport after the game.

“It made the difference today. There were not many chances but we were more dangerous to the opponents’ goal so I think it’s ok we reached the semi-finals.

“[There are] great emotions for the club, I’m very proud of the team. But as the manager you have to look forward to the next game, prepare for the next opponent. We don’t have time to celebrate too much but maybe we’ll have a beer together at the hotel then prepare for PSG tomorrow!”

Leipzig have reached the semi-finals only 11 years after being formed in their current iteration, a race to the top which has impressed some even as others within the German game find distaste for their methods. But Nagelsmann says excellent decision-making in recruitment and in how to progress the team has been crucial to their rise and similarly good decisions will be needed on the pitch against Kylian Mbappe and Co.

“The club develops very fast. We’re still [in the Champions League] from last season so the progress is very fast, faster than usual. They had good results, good decisions in the [club’s] history.

“Against Mbappe we have to be fast in the defensive line but [Dayot] Upamecano was that today.

“There will be times you can’t defend against them, there a lot of stars in this team. It will not be easy but we’ll try to go to the final.”