Barcelona Knocked Out of Champions League by Rivals Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid defeated the defending champions Barcelona 2-0 (3-2 agg) in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last night.

(Image credit: Sky Sports)

Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann scored both goals for the hosts, which effectively put a halt to Barcelona hopes of becoming the first side to win back-to-back Champions League titles. The first strike came in the 26th minute; Niguez crossed the ball in the Catalan box to unmarked Griezmann who headed the ball beautifully in the top-right corner of the goal.

The result then standing at 2-2 on aggregate would have seen Atletico go through to the semi-finals, however that wasn’t enough for them as they kept on pushing for a more defining result. As Diego Simeone’s men were attacking, Barcelona’s Iniesta handled the ball inside his own box, which resulted in a penalty for the home side.

Griezmann then converted the penalty in the 88th minute that cave them the lead in the game and on aggregate. Barcelona were denied a penalty of their own a few minutes later as the referee decided that Gabi’s handling of the ball was outside of the box. The reply footage shows that he made a wrong decision on that call. Messi took the free-kick, however his powerful strike went just a few millimeters over the crossbar.

(Image credit: Sky Sports)

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who won the competition last year in his first season as head coach, took all the responsibility for the Champions League defeat. “I’m 99.9 per cent to blame, no 100. That’s why I am the coach, the most responsible. I can’t say anything bad about the attitude of my players,” said the 45-year-old.

Enrique bestowed praise on their rivals, but admitted to being surprised by some elements of their game. “It was the game we predicted, although perhaps I didn’t expect Atletico to play so deep. It wasn’t our best day,” he said, before adding, “We have not had our best day, but in the second half we have has chances. It was not to be. Atletico deserve praise.”

His counterpart Diego Simeone couldn’t hide his joy of defeating last year’s Champions League winners. He said, “We never stopped believing, we never give up what we want to do. It was lovely to watch from the touchline. These moments won’t come back because they are unique in football.”

Make a wager on the side that you think will win the Champions League this season with Bet365 Sports. Bayern Munich are now favorites 2.37 (11/8), Real Madrid are second favorites for the title 3.75 (11/4), while Real’s cross town rivals Atletico Madrid are still underdogs 4.33 (10/3). Man City are outsiders to clinch the Champions League with odds of 7.50 (13/2).  (Check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review for more info about the online sportsbook.)