Atletico Madrid has reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season after defeating Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. Diego Simeone's team took a 2-0 lead into the second leg but saw their advantage wiped out within 25 minutes as Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona. However, Ademola Lookman restored Atletico's aggregate lead, finishing off a sweeping move. The match saw Eric Garcia sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth, ending Barcelona's hopes of a comeback.
Atletico will face the winner of the Arsenal and Sporting tie in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled for April 28 or 29 and the second leg on May 5 or 6. Yamal had earlier stated that he and his teammates must not view a comeback as a miracle, and his efforts on the pitch proved this statement right. He forced goalkeeper Juan Musso to tip his effort around the post within seconds of the first whistle and scored the opener shortly after. Torres then levelled the tie, but Atletico re-established their aggregate lead through Lookman's goal.
Despite the introduction of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona failed to mount a significant onslaught, and their chances of a comeback were ultimately extinguished when Garcia was sent off. Atletico's victory sets up a semi-final clash against either Arsenal or Sporting, with the first leg taking place on April 28 or 29 and the second leg on May 5 or 6. The win marks a significant milestone for Atletico, who will look to build on their success in the semi-finals.