Atlético de Madrid qualified for the Champions League semifinals by holding their 2-0 first-leg lead against FC Barcelona in a tense return leg at the Metropolitano that ended 1-2. Lookman's goal leveled the tie after early strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, and Eric García's red card sealed Barça's defeat. The rojiblancos await opponents like Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon.
Atlético de Madrid withstood FC Barcelona's early comeback in the Champions League quarterfinal return leg, played on April 14, 2026, at Cívitas Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone started Juan Musso in goal for the first time in a key match instead of Jan Oblak, while Hansi Flick paired Gavi with Pedri, Ferran Torres up front, and Fermín López. At the fourth minute, Clément Lenglet's error allowed Lamine Yamal to open the scoring (1-0). Another Lenglet mistake led to Ferran Torres' 2-0 at 23 minutes, leveling the 2-0 first-leg aggregate at 2-2.
Antoine Griezmann led the colchoneros' response with a standout performance. He assisted Marcos Llorente, who set up Ademola Lookman for 1-2 (aggregate 3-2) before halftime. In the second half, Ferran's goal was disallowed for offside.
Ten minutes from time, Eric García received a red card for fouling Alexander Sørloth as last man, leaving Barça with ten. "We have to accept it, we weren't lucky," Flick said. Frenkie de Jong regretted "doubtful actions." Koke praised resilience: "We are fair winners."
It is Simeone's fourth Champions semifinal. Barça, despite their youth (average age 24.95), has 13 reds in 10 European seasons.
