Atletico Madrid progressed to the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday, overcoming a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Barcelona to win 3-2 on aggregate. The victory ensures Diego Simeone's side will compete for the title in Budapest this May.
According to La Tercera, the victory follows a 2-0 win achieved by the Rojiblancos at the Camp Nou during the first leg. While Barcelona won the match in Madrid, the aggregate score allowed Atletico to advance alongside PSG, who defeated Liverpool at Anfield.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed deep disappointment following the exit, despite the team's performance. "We made a fantastic first match; we had to score more goals," Flick told La Tercera.
A high-intensity clash in Madrid
Barcelona entered the match with a modified lineup, as Flick opted to bench Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford in favor of a lighter attacking front. La Tercera reported that the Catalan side started aggressively, scoring within the first four minutes through Lamine Yamal following a defensive error by Lenglet.
Ferran Torres doubled the lead for Barcelona in the 24th minute with a strike from Dani Olmo's pass. At that moment, the aggregate score was leveled at 2-2, putting the pressure on the home side.
Atletico Madrid found a lifeline in the 31st minute when Ademola Lookman scored on a quick counter-attack. The goal narrowed the deficit and shifted the momentum of the match.
Barcelona appeared to have regained control later in the game when Ferran Torres scored his second of the night in the 55th minute. However, La Tercera noted that the goal was subsequently disallowed for offside.
Flick defended his squad's effort despite the elimination. "The mentality and attitude appear in the match. I am very proud of that," the German coach stated, according to La Tercera.
Looking ahead, Flick confirmed that the club will now focus on their domestic campaign. "The next step is to be champions. We are on our way, but we have not finished yet," he said.
While the loss marks an end to their European campaign, Flick emphasized that the team remains competitive in LaLiga. He also addressed the emotional weight of the defeat, noting that the fans and staff share his sense of disappointment.
