How Spanish newspapers reacted to Barcelona's defeat by Atletico Madrid
The reaction to Atletico Madrid's Champions League
quarter final win over Barcelona was a mix of joy and shock
The reaction to Atletico Madrid's Champions League quarter-final win over Barcelona was a mix of joy and shock.
Two goals from Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico a 3-2
aggregate win, knocking the current champions out of the competition
following a dismal three weeks for Luis Enrique's side.Barcelona in meltdown? Atletico to go all the way? Or was it all the referee's fault? Here's how the Spanish press reacted to a famous night in the Calderon...
Atletico Madrid players celebrate after scoring the first goal
'Lost'
The daily sport newspaper reacts with an image resembling TV series 'Lost', with Barcelona's star players looking dejected following the defeat in Madrid.
'A melted Barca crash against Atletico and the referee - Now they must lift themselves up to save the double.'
Sport also reference the last-minute decision to give Barcelona a free-kick rather than a penalty after Gabi's handball, which on the replays looked to be in the area.
Atletico knock out Barcelona
Antonie Griezmann's brace helped eliminate Europe's defending champions.
'Atleti! Cholo's side are in the semi-finals after taking down a plummeting Barca. A perfect match with a boiling Calderon.'
Marca focus more on Atletico's success and less on the referee's decision-making, with a simple image of Diego Simeone's men celebrating in front of the passionate home support.
"What belief. What emotion," the paper added. "Atletico Madrid have made history by knocking out the European champions."
Antoine Griezmann scored two goals to send Atletico through
'In love with Atleti! Griezmann's double puts Atletico in the semi-finals.
'Rizzolo did not see a penalty by Gabi in the 91st minute and should have sent off Luis Suarez and Iniesta.'
AS also refer to Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli's performance, but with a more balanced take on events...
Europe's toughest team?
Atletico Madrid were too strong for Barcelona. Maybe they're too strong for everyone…
'Campe-off! Atleti take down the defending champions and put themselves in the semis.'
Mundo Deportivo use a play on words for the Spanish translation 'Champion' after the current Champions League holders were sent packing.
However, the last-minute contentious refereeing decision can't be ignored again as a graphic shows Gabi was clearly in the box when Andres Iniesta's effort hit him on the arm.
Inside, the Catalan publication wrote: "Barcelona did nothing in those final minutes to show they were aspiring to win another treble.
'Not a good night for Barca fans' hearts, as their team were on the brink and fighting an uphill battle for most of the game."
Barcelona's Lionel Messi stands dejected after Atletico's second goal
Spanish daily El Mundo turned the spotlight on Barca boss Enrique.
"They have a coach without a plan B and are lacking the magic of a messiah," read poetic but damning analysis inside. "The poor embraced faith to scatter the rich, Barca, who collapsed at the Calderon."
Luis Enrique took full responsibility for Barcelona's Champions League defeat
Heavyweight daily and Madrid publication El Pais hailed Simeone - and claimed Enrique side had "regressed".
"Atletico indisputable, Barca depressed," the paper wrote. "This is Atletico's moment. Somehow, El Cholo (Simeone) has become to Atletico what Johan Cruyff was to Barcelona.
"Barca's football has regressed over the last few weeks. Barca would have never imagined dropping out of the European Cup until being beaten by (Real) Madrid in El Clasico."