MUNICH: A decisive away goal from Antoine Griezmann denied Bayern Munich as Atletico de Madrid reached their second Champions League final in three years.
The France winger scored his 31st goal of the season as Atletico lost ‘only’ 2-1 in Munich and edged the semi-final on the away goals rule and 2-2 on aggregate. That left Pep Guardiola without the ultimate European prize to show for his time in Bavaria.
Bayern had 33 attempts on goal and 72pc of possession but it still was not enough to beat the gritty Spaniards.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Spain, Bayern levelled the tie through Xabi Alonso’s deflected free-kick. Atletico keeper Jan Oblak then saved Thomas Muller’s low penalty before Griezmann struck.
Atletico had not even managed a single touch in the Bayern penalty area before then.
Robert Lewandowski’s header set up a tense finish but Atletico held on even though Fernando Torres also missed a penalty.
Bayern, backed by a vociferous home crowd, desperately pressed for a third goal that would send them through.
However, they could not find a way past Oblak, who blocked David Alaba’s 20-yard volley in stoppage time.
Atletico, aiming to be crowned European champions for the first time, will meet Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final on May 28.
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