Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman scored a decisive goal as Atletico Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017.
Atletico progressed 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in a thrilling quarter-final second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The Super Eagles forward delivered in a high-stakes encounter, striking in the 31st minute just as the tie threatened to slip away from the hosts.
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Barcelona, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, made a blistering start. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal halved the aggregate deficit inside five minutes, sliding the ball under Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso after a loose touch from Clément Lenglet.
Nineteen minutes later, the tie was level as Ferran Torres drilled a superb left-footed finish into the top corner from a pass by Dani Olmo.
The visitors briefly stunned the home crowd, but Atletico responded swiftly. Marcos Llorente surged down the right flank and found Lookman in the box, with the Nigerian calmly restoring Atleti’s aggregate lead.
Barcelona had chances to take control earlier, notably when Fermín López saw his diving header denied by Musso.
Torres thought he had added a third for Barcelona early in the second half, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside.
The visitors’ task became even harder when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.
Barcelona pushed desperately for a late equaliser, going close through Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo, but Atletico held firm to seal progression.
Diego Simeone’s side will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they chase a first Champions League final appearance since 2016.
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