Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona – Atleti into final four in Champions League classic
Atletico Madrid survived a stunning opening onslaught from Barcelona to win through and reach the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 win on aggregate.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres scored early goals as Barcelona fought from 2-0 down after the first leg to level the tie inside 25 minutes.
Yamal, still only 18, almost scored inside 35 seconds and then did run clear to poke home in the fourth minute.
And former Manchester City man Torres then lashed in a briilliant second to level the aggregate scores.
Diego Simeone’s side were rocking but Ademola Lookman buried a lightning break to make it 3-2 on aggregate before half time.
Torres thought he had levelled again with a fine finish but the goal was chalked off after a VAR review, before another VAR review led to a red card for Barca defender Eric Garcia.
That allowed the home fans to finally relax going into the last 10 minutes and they now face Arsenal or Sporting in the semi-finals. Those teams meet in London on Wednesday (20:00 BST), with the Gunners 1-0 ahead from the first leg.
Despite Hansi Flick throwing on Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski to find the elusive third goal, Atlético retreated into their trademark low block. The task became near-impossible for Barça in the 79th minute when García was sent off for a professional foul on substitute Alexander Sørloth, leaving the visitors to finish the game with 10 men for the second week running.
While Barcelona remain top of La Liga with a nine-point cushion over Real Madrid, this exit will sting for Flick, who was left frustrated by officiating in both legs.
