Champions League: Atletico Withstand Barca Blitz to Progress to Semifinals

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory, despite a 2-1 quarterfinal second leg defeat.

Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes on Tuesday, 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 semifinals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle.

Barcelona ended the game with 10 men as Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal, hampering their chance 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 semifinals.

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.

- Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and Reuters