Atletico Madrid survived a strong comeback attempt by Barcelona in the quarterfinals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday to advance to the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time in nine years.
Diego Simeone`s team advanced 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 1-2 to Barcelona because of their first-leg advantage.
Barcelona got off to a fantastic start, scoring in the fourth minute thanks to Lamine Yamal. In the 24th minute, Ferran Torres scored a strong goal to draw the match on aggregate and give the visitors the upper hand.
But Atletico`s attacker, Ademola Lookman, scored in the 31st minute to retake the aggregate lead, giving the home team a vital advantage heading into halftime.Barcelona brought on attacking players like Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski to push hard for another goal in the second half, but Atletico Madrid retained their composure and put up a sturdy defence. When Eric Garcia was sent off for a last-man foul in the 79th minute, the game shifted even more in Atletico`s favour.
Ronald Araujo missed a late header in stoppage time as Barcelona struggled to find the game-winning goal.
Atletico continue their good form against Barcelona
This result was Atletico`s third Champions League quarterfinal victory over Barcelona. They had previously won 3-2 on aggregate in 2015/16 (1-2 away, 2-0 home) and 2-1 on aggregate in 2013/14 (1-1 away, 1-0 home).
Barcelona`s victory on the night marked Atletico`s first loss in 11 UEFA home games against Spanish opponents (Wins: 8, Defeats: 2). The 2-1 loss was also Atletico`s first home loss in a Champions League knockout game since they were defeated 3-2 by Ajax in the second leg of a quarterfinal encounter in March 1997.
Atletico will now face either Arsenal or Sporting in the semi-finals. Arsenal have a slender 1-0 lead going into the second leg, thanks to a late Kai Havertz winner in the reverse fixture.
In the other quarter-final, PSG defeated Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield to secure a 4-0 aggregate victory. The defending champions will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the other semi-final.
(With ANI Input)
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