Atlético Madrid Advances to Champions League Semis

Atlético Madrid advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2017 after holding off a spirited comeback from FC Barcelona in a 2-1 second-leg defeat at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The Spanish rivals met in the quarterfinals with Atlético carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Camp Nou last week. Barcelona struck twice early in the return match to level the aggregate score at 2-2. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the fourth minute after Atlético defender Clément Lenglet lost possession near his own goal, allowing the 17-year-old winger to fire past goalkeeper Juan Musso. Ferran Torres doubled the visitors' advantage in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on another turnover in midfield to beat Musso from close range.

Atlético responded quickly, restoring their aggregate lead in the 31st minute through Ademola Lookman. Marcos Llorente delivered a precise ball behind Barcelona's high defensive line, and the Nigerian forward slotted home from the edge of the box. The goal shifted momentum, though Barcelona pressed for an equalizer. Torres thought he had scored again in the 54th minute, but video assistant referee...