Atletico Madrid secured passage to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, surviving a massive scare against Barcelona despite losing the second leg 1-2. Diego Simeone's side carried a 2-0 advantage into the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, but that lead evaporated quickly with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres inside the first 25 minutes.

Yamal’s goal made him the youngest player ever to reach 20 goal involvements in the competition, proving Barcelona’s early intent. However, Atletico weathered the storm. Ademola Lookman capped a swift counter-attack shortly after, restoring their aggregate lead to 3-2 before halftime, settling what had become a frantic tie.

Barcelona’s comeback hopes died when Eric Garcia received a straight red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity to Alexander Sorloth with 11 minutes remaining. Despite late pressure and an opportunity missed by Ronald Araujo in stoppage time, Atletico held firm to advance to face the winner of the Arsenal versus Sporting encounter. Koke later claimed his team were the deserved winners of the tense affair.

Barcelona players felt luck was against them after an otherwise strong performance, especially after Torres had a second-half effort disallowed for offside. Manager Xavi will feel the tie slipped away due to individual errors and the sending off, ending their European run.