Koke fires Atletico Madrid into semi-finals for first time in 40 years

Atletico Madrid’s resurgence continued on Wednesday just a year after they were forced to sell leading scorer Radamel Falcao to reduce their huge debts as they eliminated Barcelona to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 40 years.

A goal by Koke – who has been with the club since he was eight years old – saw them deservedly beat Barcelona 1-0 on the night and progress 2-1 on aggregate and perhaps also register a changing of the guard at the top of Spanish and European football.

Atletico – who last beat Barcelona four years ago – came roaring out of the blocks and got the only goal of the game through Koke, his first in this season’s tournament, in the fifth minute.

Atletico, who are also top of La Liga in a three way battle with Barca and Real, could have been 3-0 up after 15 minutes as former Barcelona striker David Villa hit the woodwork on two occasions.

Barcelona were largely contained by Atletico and star player Lionel Messi had an especially torrid night as he failed to score against Atletico for the sixth successive game.

For Atletico coach Diego Simeone – who last year was forced to sell Falcao for 60 million euros (HK$642 million) – it was another significant victory.