Atlético Madrid have knocked FC Barcelona out of the UEFA Champions League despite a spirited 2-1 away victory by the Catalan side in a dramatic quarter-final clash.
Barcelona started brightly, asserting early control through goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, which put the visitors firmly in command. However, Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atlético Madrid before halftime, setting up a tense second period.
The match took another turn when Eric García was shown a straight red card, handing the hosts a numerical advantage. Atlético piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer, but Barcelona’s resilient defense held firm to secure the win on the night. Despite the result, Atlético progressed on aggregate, ending Barcelona’s European campaign.
Meanwhile, at Anfield, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding performance to defeat Liverpool FC 2-0 and seal their place in the semi-finals with a dominant aggregate victory.
Ousmane Dembélé proved the difference-maker, breaking the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a superb long-range strike before adding a second in stoppage time to cap a clinical display.
Despite Liverpool’s relentless attacking efforts, including earning eight corner kicks, their inability to convert chances proved costly. PSG’s composed and efficient performance saw them cruise into the semi-finals with an emphatic 4-0 aggregate triumph.