Lookman seals Champions League SF berth for Atleti
Madrid, April 15
Ademola Lookman answered FC Barcelona's early fightback to send Atletico Madrid through to their first UEFA Champions League semifinal since 2017.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres scored in an early Barcelona resurgence, but Lookman's finish proved the decisive goal as Atleti earned 3-2 aggregate win to progress.
Barcelona made an electric start with Yamal weaving his magic to test Juan Musso within a minute and had their reward in the fourth minute when their No. 10 rolled through Musso's legs after winning the ball off Clement Lenglet and racing onto a Torres pass.
A big chance for Antoine Griezmann in the 22nd minute signalled greater balance in the contest, but three clinical Torres touches then brought the visitors level in the tie, the first two taking him away from Lenglet before the third found the top-right corner.
There would be another twist in the tale before half-time, though, Ademola Lookman converting Marcos Llorente's low cross in the 31st minute to push Atleti back in front.
The second-half story was more straightforward, Atleti settling into a defensive block which Barcelona continuously probed but could not unlock.
Eric Garcia's 80th-minute dismissal for a foul on Alexander Sørloth further dented hopes of a late surge but Barcelona nonetheless came close through Ronald Araujo's header late in stoppage time.
Atleti made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League on six occasions - facing Real Madrid (on two occasions), Celtic FC , Ajax, Chelsea and Bayern München - with our final appearance coming in the 2016/17 season.
"It's been 14 years but seeing the team still competing really moves me. The players have changed, we've had to start over many times and yet here we are again among the top four in Europe," Diego Simeone, Atleti coach said.
Atleti will face the winner of the tie between Arsenal and Sporting CP in the semifinals.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Barcelona's early goals gave me hope, but they just couldn't break down that wall. Eric Garcia's red card was the final nail. As an Indian, I watch these matches late at night – totally worth the sleep sacrifice for this drama!
Respect to Simeone. 14 years and still competing at the top. That's the kind of long-term vision and patience we need in Indian sports administration. Our cricket team has it, but football? We keep changing coaches every two years.
Lamine Yamal is just 16! Unbelievable talent. Watching from India, it makes you wonder when we'll produce a world-class footballer who can shine on this stage. The ISL is improving, but the gap is still massive.
Heartbreak for Barcelona fans in India! We have a huge fanbase here. The team showed fight but lacked the final punch. Atleti were just more clinical. Onto the next season, I guess. Visca Barça! 💙❤️
A respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the narrative, but I wish it had more tactical analysis. How exactly did Atleti's block work? As an Indian football coach, those details are gold for learning.
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