Atletico advance on Griezmann’s away goal - UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
 |
| AFP |
Bayern Munich beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, but the Spanish La Liga side advanced to the final in Milan courtesy of Antoine Griezmann’s away goal scored in the second-half, the deciding factor in the 2-2 aggregate draw.
In a match that saw two penalties saved, the German Bundesliga leaders went ahead on Xabi Alonso’s 31st-minute free-kick, which took a significant deflection off Jose Gimenez. Moments later, the Atleti centre-back pulled down Javi Martinez inside the area to give Bayern the chance to pull ahead.
But Jan Oblak stood tall and denied Thomas Muller’s penalty, keeping the aggregate score at 1-1. Shortly after the break, Griezmann brought the visitors level on the night and ahead on aggregate with a fine finish. Fernando Torres put Atleti’s No7 in alone behind the Bayern backline and the French international calmly slotted past Manuel Neuer.
With Atleti ahead 2-1 on aggregate, Bayern put Madrid on the back foot as they pushed forward, knowing they needed to find two goals to make it to Milan. And with a little more than a quarter of an hour remaining, Robert Lewandowski put the hosts ahead 2-1, but still down 2-2 on aggregate due to Griezmann’s earlier strike.
Arturo Vidal did very well to head the cross back across the face of goal for Lewandowski to head into an empty net, setting up a thrilling final 15 minutes in Munich. Bayern looked like they would come up with that all-important second goal, but Atleti had the chance to go up 3-2 on aggregate after a late penalty was given.
However, this time it was Neuer who impressed from 12 yards to stop Torres’ spot kick. Bayern pushed everyone forward for the final few minutes, including a tense additional five minutes of stoppage time. But Atleti’s backline held firm and Diego Simeone’s side withstood the pressure from Pep Guardiola’s men to advance to the final in Milan, where they will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid, who play their semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
The winner of the final in Milan will then head to the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016 later this year.