Atletico Madrid has advanced to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the 2016/17 season, following a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona. Diego Simeone's side took a 2-0 lead into the second leg, but their advantage was briefly overturned by goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres within 25 minutes. However, Atletico regained their composure and restored their aggregate lead through Ademola Lookman's strike, which proved decisive. The visitors' hopes of a comeback were ultimately dashed when Eric Garcia received a red card for a last-man foul, and Atletico will now face the winner of the Arsenal vs.
Sporting tie in the semi-finals. The first leg is scheduled for April 28 or 29, with the return leg on May 5 or 6. Yamal had earlier become the youngest player to achieve 20 goal involvements in Champions League history at 18 years and 275 days old. Despite the introduction of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's attack lacked bite in the second half.
Atletico's victory sets up a intriguing semi-final clash, with Kris Boyd praising their game management and ability to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line on the counter-attack.