Atletico Madrid have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the 2016/17 season after a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona.
Carrying a 2-0 advantage into the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Diego Simeone’s side saw their lead disappear within the opening 25 minutes. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal opened the scoring early, before Ferran Torres added a second to level the tie on aggregate.
Barcelona’s fast start briefly put Atletico under pressure, but the hosts responded with composure. A well-worked attacking move ended with Ademola Lookman finishing clinically to restore Atletico’s aggregate lead.
Despite Barcelona introducing attacking options like Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, they struggled to break down Atletico’s disciplined defence in the second half.
Any hopes of a late comeback were effectively ended when Eric Garcia was sent off for a last-man foul on Alexander Sorloth with just 11 minutes remaining.
Barcelona did have a final chance deep into stoppage time, but Ronald Araujo headed over the bar, sealing their exit from the competition.
Atletico will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals, as they continue their pursuit for European glory.
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