Atletico Madrid defeat Barcelona 2-0 to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League

Atletico Madrid are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League thanks to an Antoine Griezmann double either in either half. Barcelona entered the game with a slender 2-1 lead with Atletico needing to score at least one to see them take over based on the away goal.

Atletico started the better of the two sides early on and had Jordi Alba targeted as Yannick Carrasco continuously found himself in behind the Barcelona back four and looking dangerous. An effort by Gabi was blazed over from inside the penalty area and Griezmann saw his header from close range saved by Ter Stegen in Barcelona's goal. It seemed Atletico were destined to score though and they played a calm and collected game which ensured they gave little away at the back but looked dangerous when they attacked.

On 36 minutes, Saul lofted a cross with the outside of his right foot that was headed home delightfully by Atletico's talisman, Antoine Griezmann, and the Calderon erupted. Barcelona, who had plenty of sterile possession prior to the goal continued to assess Atletico's defense without ever threatening Oblak, Godin and company. Neymar had an effort late in the half that was their first of the game - a sign of how poorly Barcelona attacked.

The referee blew the half-time whistle to the applause of the crowd and with Atletico in control of the tie.

Barcelona huffed and puffed for the entire second half with the same luck as they have been having in their recent slump. That is to say, they had none. Luis Suarez came close with a toe-poke straight at Oblak and there was a late call for a handball on Koke that was waved away but ultimately they did not have the creativity or incisiveness to break down Atletico's infamous defense.

All of Barcelona's hard work and pressure was undone when Filipe Lus broke with purpose and tried to deliver a pass to Antoine Griezmann, who had joined him in attack and was through on goal. It was stopped by Andres Iniesta's hand and Griezmann dispatched the penalty to give Atletico a 3-2 aggregate advantage ana a 2-0 lead on the night.

Barcelona had a chance late on when Koke handled the ball just inches outside the penalty are but Messi, who was quiet all night, drove the free over the bar and a collective sigh of relief could almost be heard around the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico join Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City in the pot as they all march on in Europe's elite competition.