Lookmans strike proves crucial as Atletico Madrid narrowly defeat Barcelona in gripping encounter to advance to semis

Lookmans strike proves crucial as Atletico Madrid narrowly defeat Barcelona in gripping encounter to advance to semis
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Atleticos goalkeeper Juan Musso sprang into action within the first 33 seconds, stretching fully to his right to deny Lamine Yamals curling shot.

Just four minutes in, a blunder in the home sides defence let Ferran Torres find an unmarked Lamine, who coolly slotted Barcelona into the lead.

The atmosphere grew tense in the stadium, with Barcelona controlling the ball, and following yet another error this time by Koke Torres rifled a stunning left footed strike into the top corner, tying the aggregate score.

Less than a minute afterwards, Fermin Lopez missed a chance to go three up, heading directly at Musso, then the keepers misplaced kick struck Fermins face, causing a lengthy pause in play.

Soon after resuming, Atleticos Ademola Lookman netted an easy finish, marking Barcelona as the first side in Champions League history without a clean sheet in 15 straight matches.

The second half began similarly, with Atletico dropping deeper into a five man defence, aiming to counter quickly with long balls forward.

Under further pressure from Barcelona, Ferran volleyed in on instinct, but VAR disallowed it for offside, igniting joy among the home supporters.

Barcelona kept pushing aggressively, Lamine central to their attacks, yet as time wore on, Atleticos advancement seemed more assured.

Joan Garcias close range stop from Robin Le Normand maintained Barcelonas hopes in the contest, until Eric Garcia received a red card for a deliberate foul with only 10 minutes remaining.

In the dying stages, Barcelona mounted a desperate assault, but fell short of pushing the game into extra time.

This outcome extends Atletico Madrids impressive streak of always advancing in Champions League knockouts after securing an away win in the opening leg, spanning 22 instances.

On the other hand, Barcelona have now dropped seven of their past 10 Champions League quarter final battles, turning focus to securing the LaLiga championship.