Atletico Madrid 2-0 Barcelona (3-2 aggregate) Atletico Madrid dumped holders Barcelona out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the second time in three seasons as Antoine Griezmann’s double sealed a 2-0 win on Wednesday to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
Griezmann put the hosts ahead on away goals with a fine first-half header before converting from the penalty spot two minutes from time after Andres Iniesta had handled inside the area.
Barca, meanwhile, were left to rue referee Nicola Rizzoli’s decision to give a free-kick on the edge of the box in injury time instead of a penalty when Gabi appeared to be inside the area as he was penalised for handball. “I am not left with just a place in the semi-finals, I think it is much more important than that," said Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
“This group displays values that are less and less common in society. We can win or lose, but we believe in these values that are important in life and once again we have won a tremendously difficult game."
Defeat is Barca’s third in four games after a 39-match unbeaten run stretching back six months and sees their quest to become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era come to an end.
“The team wanted to retain the title, it was one of our objectives and excited every Barca fan, but it isn’t to be," said Barca coach Luis Enrique.
“We are finding it much more difficult than normal to score goals and suffering defensively too.
“We all have to improve and I’m the first one in that regard."
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