Atletico Madrid held off a spirited Barcelona comeback to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, progressing 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in a thrilling second-leg clash in Madrid.
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman proved decisive, as his goal ultimately secured Atletico’s passage to the last four.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona an early lifeline, scoring just five minutes in after capitalising on a loose touch from former Barca defender Clément Lenglet to slot past goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Barcelona drew level on aggregate in the 24th minute when Ferran Torres finished clinically, firing a left-footed strike into the top corner after a precise pass from Dani Olmo.
However, the hosts responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Marcos Llorente surged down the right and set up Lookman, who calmly restored Atletico’s aggregate advantage.
Torres thought he had grabbed Barcelona’s third early in the second half with a well-taken volley, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Barcelona’s task became even more difficult when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.
Despite late pressure, including close-range headers from Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo, Barcelona were unable to complete a famous comeback.
Atletico Madrid will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they aim to reach their first Champions League final since 2016.
