Atlético de Madrid sealed their qualification to the semifinals of the Champions League after beating Barcelona in a tie marked by the intervention of the VAR, which annulled a key goal by the Barça team and determined the expulsion of Eric García in the final stretch.
The team led by Hansi Flick had managed to equalize the series in just 24 minutes, with an overwhelming start that put the red and white team on the ropes. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring with a precise finish and Ferran Torres extended the lead, igniting the hope of a comeback.
However, Atlético reacted with character and efficiency. Marcos Llorente led the response with a decisive run that ended in Lookman’s goal, returning the lead on the overall scoreboard and changing the course of a high-intensity match.
From that moment on, the duel became more balanced, with the Barcelona insisted on attack and Atlético resisted, supported by several key interventions by its goalkeeper, Juan Musso, who repeatedly avoided a tie.
The most controversial play came in the second half, when Barcelona managed to score after an action completed by Ferran Torres. The goal was initially validated, but after review of the VAR determined that the striker was in an advanced position, so the score was annulled.
The blow was hard for the Barça team, who saw their attempt to equalize the score frustrated at a decisive moment in the match, while Atlético gained confidence to maintain the advantage until the end.
The final sentence came in the 78th minute, when Eric García pushed Alexander Sorloth from behind in a clear scoring opportunity. After reviewing the play on the monitor, referee Clément Turpin showed the defender a direct red card, leaving Barcelona with ten men.
With numerical superiority and the advantage on the scoreboard, Atlético controlled the last minutes of the match and secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the series between Arsenal and Sporting de Portugal, keeping their European dream alive.