Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman played a decisive role as Atletico Madrid advanced to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, eliminating FC Barcelona on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg.
Barcelona started strongly at the Metropolitano Stadium, taking an early lead through Lamine Yamal before Ferran Torres added a second goal in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate.
However, Lookman’s goal for Atletico proved decisive over the two legs, giving Diego Simeone’s side a 3-2 aggregate victory following their 2-0 first-leg win.
The match turned further against Barcelona late on when defender Eric Garcia was sent off for a foul on Alexander Sorloth, reducing the visitors to 10 men and limiting their chances of forcing extra time.
Despite late pressure, Barcelona could not find another goal, allowing Atletico to hold on and secure their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2017.
Atletico Madrid will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the next round as they continue their quest for a first Champions League title.
