Madrid, April 15 -- Atletico Madrid reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in nine years after surviving a strong comeback attempt from Barcelona in the quarter-finals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.

Despite losing the second leg 1-2 to Barcelona, Diego Simeone's side progressed 3-2 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg advantage, according to the UEFA Champions League website.

Barcelona started brilliantly and scored early through Lamine Yamal in the 4th minute. Ferran Torres then levelled the tie on aggregate in the 24th minute with a powerful strike, putting the visitors in control.

However, Atletico responded quickly as their forward, Ademola Lookman, scored in the 31st minute to restore the...