Monaco, Sep 19 (IANS): Atletico Madrid fell behind against AS Monaco before rebounding to win 2-1 in the 2018-2019 Champions League kick off for both sides.

The reigning Europa League champions have gotten off to a slow start in La Liga, taking only five points from four matches, and supporters could be forgiven for worrying after seeing Atleti concede in the 18th minute at Stade Louis II, reports Efe.

Errors by the usually solid Atletico defence led to a goal by Monaco's Samuel Gandsir.

Led by midfielder Koke Resurreccion and forward Antoine Griezmann, the Colchoneros took command of the match against an inferior opponent.

The duo combined to set up Diego Costa to get the equalizer in the 32nd minute and Jose Maria Gimenez transformed a Koke corner into the go-ahead goal in first-half stoppage time.

Atletico deployed their trademark smothering defence in the second half to take all 3 points for a share in the lead of Group A along with Borussia Dortmund, who defeated Club Brugge 1-0.