Atletico Madrid earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in three years after a wild semifinal second–leg encounter with Bayern Munich.

Antoine Griezmann’s second–half goal against the run of play seemed to put Atletico Madrid in control of the tie, but Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the 20 minutes later left open the possibility of a Bayern comeback.

Griezmann’s goal, which came on a breakaway in the 53rd minute, put Atletico Madrid up 2–1 on aggregate, including a vital away goal. Ultimately, it was enough to see Diego Simeone’s side through to the final.

The goal, which was assisted by Fernando Torres, followed Xabi Alonso’s first–half goal on a free kick.

But in the 73rd minute, Bayern Munich pulled one back courtesy of a Lewandowski header. Lewandowski’s goal, assisted by Arturo Vidal on a header across goal, equalized the aggregate score at two goals apiece, with Atletico Madrid leading on away goals.

In the 84th minute, Atletico’s Fernando Torres had a chance to seal the game for his side after he was awarded a penalty following a challenge from Javi Martinez on the edge of the box. But Torres’s attempt was saved by Manuel Neuer to keep Bayern’s chances alive.

In the first half, after a barrage of Bayern chances to open the game, Alonso found the back of the net on a free kick to make the score 1–1 on aggregate.

Moments later, after Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez fouled Javi Martinez in the box, Bayern Munich was awarded a penalty. But Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved Thomas Muller’s attempt before turning aside Alonso’s rebound try.

Atletico Madrid will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the Champions League final, which will be played on May 28 in Milan, Italy.

(SI)