Atletico edge Bayern Munich to reach Champions League final

Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann sent Atletico Madrid to the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons despite a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Bayern started the game with the intensity needed to claw back the deficit of 0-1 from the first leg at Vincente Calderon.

Poland striker, Robert Lewandowski, epitomised the home side’s spirit by fighting for every ball, earning a corner at one stage when it looked like a lost cause.

Lewandowski, being marshalled by Diego Godin, was inches away from meeting Douglas Costa’s cross and Arturo Vidal fired the next opportunity over the top as Bayern kept up the pressure.

Gabi drew a fine save from Manuel Neuer in what was Atletico’s best first-half chance after Griezmann pulled the ball back.

German international, Thomas Mueller and Lewandowski both went close and Vidal had another effort stopped by Oblak, who pulled off a brilliant save to deny Lewandowski in the 20th minute when it seemed the Poland striker must score.

A clear foul from Augusto Fernandez gave Bayern the free kick from which Xabi Alonso scored with the help of a deflection from Jose Maria Gimenez.

Few minutes later, Gimenez was penalised for a push on Javi Martinez but Mueller was thwarted from the resultant penalty by Oblak, who also blocked Alonso’s effort from the rebound.

France forward, Griezmann scored the decisive goal after combining with Fernando Torres, heading the ball to his teammate and then racing onto the return pass to finish coolly past Neuer on a breakaway.

Bayern kept trying, forcing Godin and Gimenez to clear, and Oblak to make a number of saves before Lewandowski finally made a breakthrough, heading home from close range after Vidal sent a header across goal from Alaba’s cross.

Atletico striker, Torres, had the chance to settle it with a late penalty, only for Neuer to save his spot kick.

The Bavarians’ dream of a treble with coach Pep Guardiola in his last season in charge is now over.

Los Colchoneros progressed on the away goals rule with an aggregate score of 2-2.

Atletico will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final on May 28, in Milan.