Barcelona travelled to the Metropolitano in Madrid down a couple of goals but still believed they could turn it around away from home. The Catalans almost did it, as Atletico survived the slugfest last night and reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Barcelona, with goals from Yamal and Torres, got the contest on an even keel within 30 minutes of the contest in a sensational opening blitz. But Atletico responded rather immediately with a brilliant finish from Lookman to make it 3-2 on aggregate in favour of Atletico, in the 31st minute. A slugfest then ensued.
Barcelona, surprisingly, however, receded in a shell of sorts as Atletico raised their game and created several opportunities to score in the second half. Barcelona got occupied in defending their goal in a brilliant strategy from Atletico. Diego Simeone has been a fine strategist, and it has to be said that he scored well over Hansi Flick in this contest. Eric Garcia was handed a red card, which further compounded Barca’s problems.
Barcelona tried to press for a goal in the end, but Atletico held on and survived the late onslaught by the Catalans.
As the long whistle blew, the stadium went into a rapturous applause, as Atletico players went down to their knees in thanksgiving while the Barca players looked sullen. They were just beaten by a better side in both legs.
Kudos to the Dark Horses.
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