Atletico Madrid survive Barca fightback to progress

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Atletico Madrid 1 - 2 Barcelona (Atletico Madrid won 3-2 on aggregate)

Atletico Madrid withstood a spirited Barcelona revival to reach the Champions League semi-finals

Author | Jack L

Stadium | Metropolitano

Trailing 2-0 from the first meeting, Barcelona struck early. Lamine Yamal reduced the deficit inside five minutes, sliding his finish beneath Juan Musso after a loose touch from former Barcelona defender Clément Lenglet.

The tie was level 19 minutes later. Ferran Torres collected Dani Olmo’s pass and sent a precise left-footed effort into the top corner, briefly silencing the home support.

That quiet lasted only moments

Marcos Llorente surged down the right and picked out Ademola Lookman, who finished to restore Atletico’s advantage on aggregate.

Watch | Scenes in Madrid. Video uploaded by football claim on YouTube

Barcelona had earlier passed up the chance to extend their lead on the night, Musso reacting sharply to deny Fermín López from close range with an outstretched block.

Torres believed he had added a third shortly after the interval, guiding a composed volley into the top corner, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The visitors continued to press but, as in the first leg, their task was complicated by a red card. Eric García brought down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal, reducing Barcelona to 10 men.

Barcelona pushed forward in search of a decisive moment, with Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo both going close with headers, yet the equaliser that would have sealed a remarkable turnaround did not arrive.

Atletico will meet either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they attempt to reach their first final since 2016.

Location: Madrid, Spain

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