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Atletico resist Barca comeback to reach Champions League semis
TL;DR
Atletico Madrid advanced to the Champions League semi-finals after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona, despite losing 2-1 in the second leg. Ademola Lookman's goal was crucial in overturning Barcelona's early lead in the match.
Ademola Lookman (R) struck for Atletico to pull back Barcelona's lead and it proved vital as his team reached the Champions League semi-finals (Oscar DEL POZO)
(Oscar DEL POZO/AFP/AFP)
Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg.
Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle.
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time.
Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.
"(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.
Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination.
"I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman.
"I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year."
Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season.
Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.
The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.
Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid.
Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate.
Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner.
Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face.
Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.
Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert.
- Another red card -
Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed.
Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night.
Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising.
The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg.
Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.
rbs/bc
Q&A
How did Atletico Madrid defeat Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals?
Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona with a 3-2 aggregate score, winning the first leg 2-0 and losing the second leg 2-1.
Who scored the vital goal for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona?
Ademola Lookman scored the crucial goal for Atletico Madrid that helped them secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
What was the outcome of the second leg match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona?
In the second leg, Barcelona won 2-1, but Atletico Madrid advanced due to their 3-2 aggregate victory.
What impact did Barcelona's red card have on the match against Atletico Madrid?
Barcelona played with 10 men during the match, which contributed to their inability to maintain their lead and ultimately led to their elimination from the Champions League.
