Antoine Griezmann ensured Atlético Madrid repeated their 2014 UEFA Champions League quarter-final success against Barcelona, scoring in each half to earn a deserved win and eliminate the holders on Wednesday.
Atlético had struck first in last week’s opening leg and again began brightly here, Gabi flashing a shot over and Yannick Carrasco and Griezmann both testing Marc-André ter Stegen in the first 10 minutes.
The home side continued to enjoy the better of things without troubling the goalkeeper – but that all changed in the 36th minute. Saúl Ñíguez was the architect, delivering a sumptuous right-wing cross with the outside of his left foot, and Griezmann found space to superbly steer a header past Ter Stegen.
Barcelona tried to respond, Jan Oblak dealing smartly with a looping Neymar attempt, yet it was Atlético who threatened a second goal before the break. Carrasco led a swift counterattack and opted to ignore Saúl, Ter Stegen only gathering his low effort at the second time of asking.
Diego Simeone’s men continued to look the likelier scorers as the second half unfolded, Barcelona scrambling clear after Koke had slipped a low pullback past Ter Stegen. Atlético then came closer still to doubling their advantage as Saúl directed a header over the keeper; only the crossbar kept Barcelona in touch.
Luis Enrique’s team promptly enjoyed their first spell of sustained pressure but Atlético’s greater menace was perfectly illustrated when Griezmann galloped onto a long pass, forcing yet another Ter Stegen intervention.
The holders were finally roused, Luis Suárez thumping a shot straight at Oblak after turning past Diego Godín. Suárez drew another sharp stop from the Atleti custodian as the match moved into its final 10 minutes, yet gaps were opening up in the Barcelona rearguard.
From one such counterattack, Filipe Luís skipped through several challenges and only Andrés Iniesta’s hand prevented the cross reaching Griezmann. The reprieve was brief, the Frenchman stroking the spot kick beyond Ter Stegen.
Still a goal for the visitors would have taken the tie into extra time, and the raucous Calderón fell silent as Lionel Messi stood over a free-kick on the edge of the Atlético area. The Argentine curled the effort too high as his goal drought continued, and the home celebrations were in full swing shortly afterwards.
