Atlético Madrid withstand Barcelona pressure to reach Champions League semi-finals

Atlético Madrid have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League after surviving a spirited fightback from FC Barcelona to progress 3–2 on aggregate, despite a 2–1 defeat in the second leg at the Cívitas Metropolitano.

Barcelona struck early through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres inside the opening 24 minutes, briefly turning the tie in their favour after Atlético’s 2–0 first-leg advantage.

However, Ademola Lookman responded for the hosts in the 31st minute, restoring Atlético’s cushion in a fiercely contested all-Spanish quarter-final.

Diego Simeone’s side ultimately held firm to return to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, resisting sustained pressure from the La Liga champions in a tense and physically charged encounter.

Barcelona’s task became more difficult in the closing stages when defender Eric García was shown a red card for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal, halting a late push for extra time.

Atlético midfielder Koke praised his side’s resilience, telling Movistar: “We’re very happy, knocking out a great Barça side. It was really hard for us at the start, but the team knew how to get back on its feet.”

Barcelona, who last lifted the trophy in 2015, saw their pursuit of a sixth European crown come to an end, although midfielder Frenkie de Jong insisted the club remains on the right trajectory despite elimination.

“I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything,” he said. “I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue — we’re on a good path, we’re growing every year.”

Head coach Hansi Flick opted for a reshuffled attacking line-up, leaving out Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford in favour of pressing options as Barcelona sought to overturn the tie in an intense atmosphere in Madrid.

Atlético Madrid will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever Champions League title, having previously lost finals in 2014 and 2016 under Simeone.