Atletico Eliminate Barca At the Depth, Bayern Progresses
Atletico Madrid came away with a thrilling 2-0 win at home to Barcelona, eliminating the defending champions 3-2 on aggregate. In the other quarter-final, Bayern Munich and Benfica played to a 2-2 draw sending the Germans to the Champions League Semi-final 2-3 on aggregate.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTER-FINALS (LEG 2)
In the “Spanish” Quarter-Final Atletico Madrid hosted Barcelona after the first leg ended 2-1 in favor of the Catalans. The game got off to a slow start with minimal chances for either side, until the 35th minute when Greizzman’s header found the back of the net. The goal leveled the scores on aggregate and gave Atletico the advantage based on the away goal rule. After the break, it was Atletico who created chances coming close in the 52nd minute when Atleti hit the crossbar. A penalty was awarded to the home side in the final minutes, which Griezzman converted giving his club the 2 goal lead. In the first minute of stoppage time there was late drama when a penalty was not given to Barcelona for a handball in the box. The score remained 2-0 and Atletico progressed to the Champions League Semi-final for the second time in three years. The defending champions exit the competition with a lackluster showing in today’s return leg.
highlights: atletico madrid - barcelona
uEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTER-FINALS (LEG 2)
In Portugal, Benfica hosted Bayern Munich who entered the match with 1-0 lead from the first leg. In the 27th minute, the home side was able to find the opening goal with Jimenez leveling the scores on aggregate. The Germans were quick to respond leveling the scores 11 minutes later, with Arturo Vidal. The Chilean was the sole goal scorer in the first leg coming through once again for his club. At the beginning of the second half, Bayern took the lead when Muller’s close ranged shot found the back of the net. After falling behind, the “eagles” pressed on and scored their second bringing the match to 2-2. Benfica continued to create chances in the final 15 minutes but the game ended in draw, sending Bayern Munich to the Champions League Semi-finals for the fourth straight season.