Atleti suffer but progress to Europa semis

Atletico Madrid advanced to the Europa League semi-finals despite losing 1-0 at Sporting CP in their quarter-final second leg.

Diego Simeone’s side took a two-goal lead into the match in Lisbon but would have been wary following heavy European defeats for Barcelona and Real Madrid this week.

Sporting’s early dominance was rewarded in the 28th minute as Colombian striker Fredy Montero headed home from a tight angle to put the tie back in the balance.

Problems mounted up for Atleti with Diego Costa pulling up with a hamstring strain while Jan Oblak retained their lead in the tie with a string of fine saves.

Antoine Griezmann was thwarted by Rui Patricio in a one-on-one situation late on before firing wide in a similar position two minutes later.

Los Rojiblancos join Salzburg, Arsenal and Marseille in the last four of the competition.

La Liga - Club News