Atletico Madrid booked their place in the final of the Champions League for the second time in three years despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich this evening.
Atleti arrived at the Allianz Arena with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, although that was wiped out shortly after the hour mark when Xabi Alonso's free kick deflected in.
Thomas Muller missed a penalty that would have put his side in front shortly afterwards, and that proved costly in the second half when Antoine Griezmann broke free to net what proved to be the decisive goal.
Robert Lewandowski gave his side hope with 15 minutes remaining by making it 2-1 on the night, but despite Atletico also missing a penalty late on, the visitors held out for victory on away goals.
Find out how it all unfolded in an action-packed match courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.
Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's huge Champions League semi-final second leg between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid! The final in Milan could be just 90 minutes away for one of these sides, and the tie is perfectly poised at the halfway stage as Bayern look to overturn a one-goal deficit. It promises to be another memorable night of European action, and we have a bumper two-hour build-up for you so let's get started with a look at the hosts...
Tonight's match is obviously a huge one for both clubs, but it wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to suggest that Pep Guardiola's legacy in charge of Bayern Munich could rely on it. The Spaniard has enjoyed almost unchallenged domestic dominance since arriving at the club, but he is yet to lift the Champions League trophy with Bayern despite taking over when the club were reigning European champions. It goes to show the standards that he has set for himself that failure to take Bayern back to the summit of European football would be regarded as a black mark on his impeccable record, but he himself has admitted that his time at Bayern will be determined a success or failure by whether or not he wins this competition this season.
It is, of course, his last chance to win the trophy with Bayern due to his impending move to Manchester City, and there is still a decent chance that he will go out just as his predecessor Jupp Heynckes did - with the treble. Bayern are just one win away from a fourth straight Bundesliga title and have also reached the final of the DFB-Pokal, where they will face Borussia Dortmund later this month. There is obviously still a lot to do in this competition, but they will confident of overhauling a one-goal deficit to reach the final and put themselves on the verge of a clean sweep.
Bayern could have actually wrapped up the Bundesliga title at the weekend with a victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, but their 1-1 draw, coupled with Dortmund's 5-1 win over Wolfsburg, ensured that the title race will go to the final two games. It should still be a formality for Bayern, who are five points clear with only two games remaining, but I'm sure Pep Guardiola would have liked domestic matters to have been wrapped up by now so that his side can focus everything they have on the Champions League.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: Throughout this build-up I will be looking back on a number of memorable previous semi-final experiences for both of these sides, and perhaps the best of the lot for Bayern came three years ago on their way to the treble. They came up against Barcelona on that occasion and put Messi and co to the sword with an incredible performance. The main damage was done here at the Allianz Arena in the first leg as they cruised to a 4-0 victory, before adding a further three without reply to clinch a remarkable 7-0 aggregate triumph.
Bayern are unlikely to find things quite as easy as that this evening, but they will certainly take heart from their Champions League home form of that. The German giants have won all of their last 11 games at the Allianz Arena in this competition - a run of form that stretches back to the 2013-14 semi-finals when they were stunned by Real Madrid. Another victory this evening would not only potentially put them through to the final, but it would also see them equal the all-time Champions League record of 12 consecutive home wins, currently held by Manchester United (between September 2006 and April 2008).
That 11-match home winning streak has seen Bayern score a whopping 41 goals, 19 of which have come in just five games this season at an average of almost four per match. Indeed, they had scored at least four goals in all of their home games in this season's competition before Benfica visited for the quarter-finals and were able to limit Bayern to just a 1-0 victory. The battle between that free-scoring attack, particularly here at the Allianz Arena, and Atletico's incredible defensive resolve is one of the many contrasts between these two sides that makes this such a fascinating battle.
That 1-0 win over Benfica is actually Bayern's only victory inside 90 minutes from their last five Champions League knockout games, though. They needed extra time to get past Juventus in the last 16, eventually coming through 6-4 on aggregate following a thrilling tie. Bayern let a two-goal lead slip in the final half an hour in Turin to allow Juve back into the tie, and the Italian champions appeared to be on course for the quarter-finals when they took a 2-0 lead here at the Allianz Arena too. However, Bayern fought back and rescued extra time with a late, late equaliser, before going on to win the second leg 4-2.
That result saw them through to the quarter-finals against Benfica, and that tie proved to be harder work for Bayern than many expected. Guardiola's side looked to be on course for a comfortable victory when Vidal gave them the lead after just two minutes in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, but they were unable to add to that and only had a slender advantage heading into the second leg. Benfica then stunned the German champions by taking the lead against the run of play at the Estadio da Luz, but goals either side of half time from Vidal and Muller put Bayern in control and, while Benfica did level things up at 2-2 on the night, the visitors always had a cushion after those two away goals.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: Following their 7-0 aggregate drubbing in 2013, Barcelona had the chance for revenge when they were drawn against Bayern at the same stage last season, and they duly took it. It wasn't quite as emphatic as Bayern's win, but the German giants found themselves all but out of the contest after the first leg courtesy of a 3-0 win for Barca. Bayern won the reverse 3-2, but went out 5-3 on aggregate thanks largely to Messi's genius in that first leg.
Bayern are this season gracing the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fifth year in a row, but on each of the past two occasions they have been knocked out by Spanish opposition. It was Real Madrid in 2014 and Barcelona last year, so Guardiola will be desperate to avoid completing the set of Spain's big three this time around. They certainly have the edge over Atletico when it comes to experience at this stage of the competition. This is their 18th last-four appearance in Europe's top-tier competition - only Real Madrid have more - and they have won 10 of the previous 17.
They have actually come up against Spanish opposition on 10 previous occasions in semi-finals of European competition too, and their record is an impressive one with seven wins and only three defeats from that time. Overall in two-legged ties against La Liga opposition things have not been quite as good, but they do still boast a winning record having progressed from nine of their 17 European ties against Spanish teams. At home they have only lost two of their 23 meetings with sides from Spain too, winning 16 of those including five of the last six - although the exception in that time was a heavy 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the 2013-14 semi-finals.
Being 1-0 down after the away first leg is not uncharted territory for them either, and they have actually managed to turn things around in five of the seven ties where that has happened in the past. However, the last time they lost the away first leg 1-0 also came in Madrid, in that semi-final against Real, and they went on to lose the home second leg 4-0 - their heaviest home defeat in European competition.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: Bayern have actually faced Real Madrid a number of times in the semi-finals of this competition, as you might expect from two of the most successful sides in its history. Real came out on top in their most recent meeting, but back in 2012 it was Bayern who progressed via penalties. Sergio Ramos missed the decisive spot kick in fairly spectacular fashion, but Bayern then went on to lose another shootout in the final, being beaten by Chelsea on home soil.
Atletico can nowadays lay claim to being as big a threat - if not more so - as their city rivals in Europe having been transformed into one of the continent's best teams under Diego Simeone. The Argentine doesn't always employ the prettiest of tactics, but there are not many more effective managers in the world. The clash in styles between himself and Pep Guardiola is one of the things that makes this such an intriguing contest, and no doubt we will see more of the dark arts from the visiting side this evening.
Simeone has vowed to push for the victory rather than sit back tonight, though, and it will be interesting to see just how far Atletico go to pick up an away goal. Even a side like Atletico, who have kept so many teams at bay already this season, know that holding Bayern out for a full 90 minutes at the Allianz Arena is a huge ask, so it might be that the visitors need to threaten at the other end of the field. Simeone will certainly be confident that his side can do it, though, having managed to score an away goal at the Camp Nou on their way to victory over Barcelona in the last round.
There is no doubt that it is Atletico's defensive solidity which provides the foundations of their success, though. Only Bayern have conceded fewer goals in Europe's top five leagues this season, with Atleti boasting a defensive record 13 better than Barcelona in La Liga. They are a whopping 45 goals behind the top scorers Real Madrid, but they have a one-point lead over Los Blancos and go into the final stages of the season knowing that any slip-ups from Barcelona will only the door once again in the La Liga title race. They are reliant on Barca dropping points, however, as the Catalan club have a superior head-to-head record.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: Atletico's last appearance at this stage of the competition came two years ago, with Chelsea standing in their way on that occasion. It was a memorable campaign for Simeone's side, and they added a place in the Champions League final to their La Liga title success with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge. The first leg was drawn 0-0 at the Vicente Calderon, but Atletico came up with the goods in the return.
That result took them into the final to face Real Madrid, which could be the case again this season should they complete the job they started last week and Real overcome Manchester City in the other semi-final, which takes place tomorrow night. A clean sheet tonight would be enough for Atletico to guarantee a place in the final, and they have prevented the opposition from scoring in four of their five knockout games so far - the only exception coming after they were reduced to 10 men against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. I mentioned earlier that keeping Bayern at bay here is a huge ask, but if any team is capable of it then it is Atletico.
TEAM NEWS! The team news is in at the Allianz Arena, and all the big names are involved for both sides...
BAYERN MUNICH STARTING XI: Neuer; Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Lahm, Alonso, Vidal; Costa, Muller, Ribery; Lewandowski
Subs: Tasci, Thiago, Rafinha, Gotze, Ulreich, Coman, Kimmich
ATLETICO STARTING XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Augusto, Koke, Saul; Griezmann, Torres
Subs: Savic, Correa, Hernandez, Carrasco, Partey, Vietto, Moya
What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, the first thing to note is that Thomas Muller starts tonight having been left out of the side for the first leg last week. That was a decision that drew criticism when Bayern struggled to find a way through, and the World Cup winner, who has been in career-best goalscoring form this season, sure enough returns to the starting XI tonight.
He will provide a big goalscoring threat alongside Robert Lewandowski, who has also been in the form of his life so far this season. However, the striker was pretty anonymous against Atletico last week and will be hoping for more joy in front of his own fans tonight. Atletico must take the bulk of the praise for keeping the striker quiet, but Lewandowski will also be looking for better service from his teammates tonight - something that won't have been said often this season.
Franck Ribery comes into the starting XI tonight in place of Coman, who was another who failed to impress at the Vicente Calderon. He should provide the width along with Douglas Costa on the opposite flank, which could be an important factor tonight should Atletico packed out the middle of the park. The visitors are such a well drilled and organised outfit that Bayern will need to play a lot of their switch plays, which means that Alonso is likely to have a big role tonight.
Vidal was arguably the one Bayern player who matched the intensity shown by Atletico in the first leg, particularly in the opening 45 minutes of that game. He starts in what is expected to be a slightly deeper role tonight, although it is always tough to second-guess what Guardiola will do. The initial team sheets suggests that Lahm will join them in the middle of the park and that Bayern will play three at the back, including a start for Boateng, who has missed the last three months with a groin injury.
There are threats all over the park for Barcelona, then, but the good news for the visitors is that they have their commander in chief back at the heart of the defence, with Diego Godin tonight returning from a hamstring injury. He has missed the last three games but replaces Savic in the starting XI this evening, with the former Man City man dropping to the bench. Godin inclusion is a huge boost for the visitors, who may need to call on all of his wile and experience.
Aside from Godin's return it is an entirely unchanged defensive unit, and indeed whole team from the side that won the first leg last week. That means that Jan Oblak retains the gloves in goal having kept 23 clean sheets in La Liga this season - more than any other player has ever made in a single Atletico campaign. Thibaut Courtois did hold the record of 20 in both 2012-13 and 2013-14, but Oblak has blown that out of the water with his performances today.
Saul proved to be the difference in the first leg with a magnificent solo effort that could be enough to send his side to the final if they can hold off the challenge of Bayern tonight. At the very least it has nudged them one step closer to Milan, but while that goal was a moment of magic, the other players in midfield should not be forgotten. They worked so hard last week on the ball and off the ball, and it is down to that midfield to set the tone.
Up front, Atletico boast a couple of in-form players with Griezmann and Torres. The latter scored in the first leg at the Camp Nou in the quarters, before getting himself sent off and missing the return as a result. Griezmann stepped up with a brace, though, and the French striker added another to his tally with the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday to bring up the 30-goal mark for his season.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: The only previous occasion that Atletico had reached the final of this competition before two years ago was in 1974, when they were actually beaten by Bayern in the showpiece. To get there, Atletico first had to get past Celtic, and to say that they did so in dubious circumstances would be a major under-exaggeration. They drew 0-0 at Celtic Park before winning the return leg 2-0 in one of the most notorious semi-finals in the competition's history.
Atletico come into tonight's match in magnificent form, having won each of their last seven games in all competitions. That includes four consecutive 1-0 victories and six games in a row in which they have not conceded a single goal. It is now over 10 hours since Oblak was last beaten, which goes to show just how impressive Atletico are as a defensive force.
Their record at the Vicente Calderon is particularly impressive, but away from home they aren't too shabby either. They have kept 15 clean sheets in 26 away games this term - the same amount as Bayern have managed at home - and have won their last two games on the road. Perhaps the best example of a recent away game to suggest that they can progress tonight would be their 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, although Atletico have only kept one clean sheet in their last five away games so could need to score tonight.
Unlike Bayern, who can breathe fairly easily that they have the title sewn up this season, Atletico are still battling hard to two fronts this season. The La Liga title race is so close with just one point separating the top three, and should Atletico manage to overhaul Barca then it would be another big feather in the cap of Simone. He has picked up a league title, Europa League, Copa del Rey and Super Cup during his time at the club so far, and is now widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL MEMORIES: Three years before kicking Celtic off the park in their victorious semi-final, Atletico had been ousted in the last four themselves. It came at the hands of Johan Cruyff's great Ajax side of the early 1970s, with the Dutch outfit running out 3-0 winners in the second leg in Madrid. This screamer from Piet Keizer was the pick of the bunch.
Atletico have lost just one of their last nine Champions League games ahead of tonight's contest, and that came against Barcelona at the Camp Nou when they were forced to play the majority of the game with only 10 men. They went on to knock the defending champions and tournament favourites out of the competition with a 2-0 win in the second leg, though, and should they make it through to the final then there is no doubt that they would have earned their place having dispatched of both Barca and Bayern.
They were far less convincing in the last 16, however, and it took penalties to separate them from PSV Eindhoven after neither side troubled the scorers over the two legs - the first time a two-legged tie has finished goalless in the Champions League era. Bayern will no doubt be hoping that Atletico have a similar off day, although the onus is very much on them to get a goal tonight - not easy against a side who have conceded just five goals in the competition this season - no team has let in fewer. Atletico have kept clean sheets in three of their five away games in this competition this season too, and another tonight would guarantee their place in the final.
The Spanish outfit have won 27 of the 34 European ties in which they have won the first leg at home, including each of the last 15. Their win ratio does drop a little when their lead at the halfway stage of the tie has only been 1-0, though, with six wins and three draws on those occasions. Should they get through tonight then it would be their second Champions League final in the last three years, although they are still waiting to lift the trophy for the first time, losing in the 1974 and 2014 finals.
Before last week's first leg, these two teams had only faced each other twice in European competition, with both of those games coming in that 1974 final. Bayern rescued a late, late equaliser in the initial match to force the only replay in European Cup final history, and the Germans cruised to success two days after the original tie, with Hoeness and Muller both scoring twice in a 4-0 win. That gave Bayern their first European Cup success, and kickstarted a run of three consecutive triumphs in the competition.
PREDICTION: We have just under 10 minutes remaining until kickoff at the Allianz Arena, which means that it is time for a prediction! Atletico Madrid can never be discounted as they have the ability to shut down any team in the world - as they have already shown against Barcelona and Bayern in their last two games in this competition. However, you always have to back Bayern to score at home and I can see the hosts overhauling the deficit tonight. I'll go for a 2-0 win to Bayern.
Atletico have actually won each of their last six two-legged ties against German opposition, a record which runs back to 1979-80 when they were knocked out by Dynamo Dresden in the first round of the UEFA Cup. Overall they have won 10 of 14 ties against Bundesliga sides, with three of those wins coming from four meetings against German teams in the semi-final of European competition.
The two managers came up against each other on a number of occasions during their playing days, with Guardiola edging the win count 4-3 when it comes to club matches. Guardiola also boasts a good record against Atletico from his time in charge of Barcelona, winning eight of his 10 games against the capital outfit. Just once before this tie had Guardiola come up against Simeone in opposite dugouts, though, and it was Guardiola's side that picked up a 2-1 win.
Right, we're just about ready to go now! There is a great atmosphere inside the Allianz Arena ahead of this special occasion.
KICKOFF: And we're off! Atletico Madrid get us underway with just 90 minutes separating them from the final of the Champions League as things stand.
Atletico look like they are in behind for a moment, but the flag is raised against Torres before the striker can beat Neuer when one on one. That is still a bit of a warning shot for the hosts, though.
Really good run from Luis down the left flank as he beats a number of red shirts before seeing a cross go straight behind for a goal kick. The referee pulls it back for an earlier foul on the full-back, though.
SAVE! Neuer is forced into the first save of the evening, but it is a comfortable one for the keeper. Gabi let fly from around 30-35 yards and hit it well enough, but it has to be something truly special to beat Neuer from there.
Bayern have certainly started with more urgency and pace about their play than they did in the first leg, when they were a little too laboured in possession during the opening exchanges. No chances to speak of yet, though.
Bayern have been limited to crosses into the box so far, which Atletico have dealt with fairly comfortably. Simeone will be pretty happy with what he has seen in the opening 10 minutes here.
Another cross from Bayern almost creates the first chance of the match, with Costa swinging a fine ball towards Lewandowski. The striker manages to get a glancing touch to it, but Juanfran does enough to prevent it being a clear opening.
SHOT! Again, there is no way through for Bayern and they are forced to settle for a long-range effort. Vidal is the man to let fly from 30 yards, but he fires his effort well off target.
SAVE! Important stop from Neuer here as he gets down to his right to keep out Gabi's effort, and crucially hold on to it too. It was a good shot from the Atletico man after being teed up by Griezmann and it looked to be heading into the bottom corner, so Neuer needed to make the save.
A half chance for Bayern here as a deflected cross falls into the path of Muller, although his strike is not clean and bounces behind Lewandowski and out for a goal kick.
SAVE! Another long-range effort from Vidal, but this time he calls Oblak into action. It is a good strike from the midfielder with his left foot and is flying in, but Oblak makes it look easy by plucking the ball out of the air.
This match has so far been played in the expected rhythm of Bayern dominating possession and Atletico looking to hit the hosts on the counter when they do get the ball. Bayern's best moments so far have come via crosses of long-range shots, though.
CHANCE! The hosts have their first big chance of the evening as Boateng lifts a ball over the top for Muller, who has ghosted in behind. He chooses to pass the ball instead of going for goal himself, but he pushes Lewandowski a bit wide and Oblak is able to thwart the striker.
Clear-cut chances may not be easy to come by for Bayern in this game, so that miss could prove costly. Muller could have perhaps gone for goal himself, but it was a difficult one to take on and the pass wasn't a bad option either.
Bayern's pressure is beginning to grow here and they almost have another chance as the ball drops kindly for Lewandowski. The striker hits it on the turn, but Godin makes the block.
CHANCE! The resulting corner is cleared as far as Ribery, who sends a dipping and swerving volley towards goal. Oblak tries to catch it, but his usually-faultless handling lets him down and he spills the ball into a very dangerous area. Lewandowski is following in, but he can't steer the rebound home.
Bayern have had 76% possession in this match so far, but still Atletico remain unmoved at the back. Simeone will be fairly content with what he has seen from his side defensively so far.
SHOT! A cross from the left goes all the way through to Lahm at the back post, and the skipper has time to line up his shot as the ball drops to him. However, he fires his powerful effort over the crossbar.
Chance for Bayern here as Augusto Fernandez fouls Alaba right on the edge of the box. The hosts have a free kick in a very promising position...
GOAL! Bayern Munich 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Xabi Alonso)
Bayern get the breakthrough, and we're all level on aggregate! It is a lucky goal from the home side as Alonso drills the free kick towards a big wall, and it hits Gimenez and deflects past a helpless Oblak. It did look to be going on target anyway, but Oblak may have had it covered without the deflection.
PENALTY TO BAYERN MUNICH!
SAVED!
How big could that prove to be? Bayern Munich miss the chance for a quickfire second to move ahead on aggregate as Oblak makes a brilliant save to deny Muller. It was Gimenez who gave the spot kick away, and referee Cuneyt Cakir deserves huge credit for spotting the foul on Martinez from a corner. Muller takes on the penalty duties and strikes it firmly, but Oblak makes a cracking stop.
It's kicking off all over the place between these two teams, including on the touchline. Simeone tries to get at Guardiola, but Ribery comes across to restrain the Atletico boss.
Bayern will be hoping that the missed penalty doesn't halt their momentum here as they were very much on top in the immediate aftermath of the goal. The goal seemed to give them an injection of belief, but that may have just as quickly been taken away by the penalty.
Just four minutes remain in this first half now, and it has been the game we expected. It has been feisty and fiery at times, with Bayern dominating possession and Atletico looking to hit the hosts on the counter.
It is noticeable how quickly Bayern are trying to get play going again when the ball goes dead, with even the ball boys well versed in getting it back in play as quickly as possible. In contrast, Atletico have already been warned for the time they are taking over their restarts.
There will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.
HALF TIME: Bayern Munich 1-0 Atletico Madrid (1-1 on aggregate)
The first half comes to an end at the Allianz Arena, and we're still very finely poised here. Bayern have a 1-0 lead on the night, levelling things up on aggregate following an impressive first-half display. The hosts may feel that they should be further ahead given that they have also missed a penalty, but as things stand we are heading for extra time.
The equalising goal on aggregate came just after the half-hour mark, and there was an element of luck about it for Bayern. They won a free kick in a very dangerous position and Alonso curled it towards goal, although Jan Oblak looked as though he might have had it covered before it took a deflection off Gimenez. That diverted it past the keeper as Bayern finally found a way past the visitors.
It should have been two on the night just a couple of minutes later when Gimenez was penalised for dragging down Martinez in the penalty area. Muller stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was at a nice height for the keeper and too close to the shot-stopper too. Oblak duly made the save, although he also deserves praise as Muller hit his effort firmly.
Clear chances have been relatively hard to come by for Bayern, but the hosts are the only team who have really looked like scoring. Lewandowski has been unable to convert a couple of presentable openings, but at the other end Neuer has only had a couple of long-range efforts to deal with.
KICKOFF: Bayern get us underway for the second half, and the first thing to tell you is that Atletico have made a change, with Yannick Carrasco replacing Fernandez.
It will be interesting to see how both managers approach this second half with the scoreline as it is. Bayern were dominant in that first half, but Atletico may look to increase their attacking threat as time wears on.
Almost a chance for Bayern as a good spell of pressure eventually yields a corner. Martinez meets the resulting delivery, but he can't steer his header on target.
Almost a chance for Bayern to break as Alonso hacks the ball away and his clearance turns into a perfect through-ball for Lewandowski. The striker looks to be clean through on goal, but he can't gather the ball in his stride and eventually the chance goes begging.
Vidal makes a challenge on Carrasco to win his side a goal kick, and then the midfielder plays cheerleader to get the crowd back up for this one. He is very fired up for it!
GOAL! Bayern Munich 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Antoine Griezmann)
Huge moment in this match as Atletico get the away goal! It is exactly what Simeone would have wanted - soaking up pressure and then hitting Bayern on the break. Griezmann nods the ball into the path of Torres, who in turns threads a pass through for his strike partner in behind. The linesman's flag stays down as Griezmann races through on goal, and the Frenchman gives Neuer the eyes to bury the ball into the bottom corner.
A reminder that Bayern now need two further goals without reply to go through - a big ask against this Atletico side. Meanwhile, the visitors have a free kick in a very good position...
Griezmann goes for goal, but fires his effort straight into the wall.
SHOT! Vidal tries another long-range strike here, but gets it all wrong and fires it well off target. You can already sense his frustrations beginning to grow with just over half an hour remaining here.
SHOT! Atletico push forward for what would be a killer second away goal, with the full-backs linking up in advanced area. Luis brings it forward into a central area being teeing up Juanfran, who drills a powerful strike comfortably wide.
This is such an intriguing battle in the final 30 minutes here. If you could pick one team to defend a lead like this then it would be Atletico, while if you could pick one team to chase it down then it would probably by Guardiola's Bayern Munich. So far it is Atletico who are winning the battle, though.
Another half-chance for Bayern as Boateng whips a cross into the box that Martinez attacks. It needs a backward header, though, and Martinez gets too much on it to send it over the crossbar.
SAVE! Oblak is forced into a smart save here as the ball breaks to Alonso just outside the area. He drills a low left-footed strike towards goal, but Oblak watches it all the way to make the stop.
You can expect the final 20 minutes of this match to be one-way traffic in Bayern's favour as they look to break down this Atletico team, but that is so hard to do. The visitors are so well organised.
CHANCE! Chance for Bayern to pull a goal back as Vidal lifts a pass into the path of Lewandowski, who attempts a first-time volley towards goal. Oblak is there yet again, however, making a smart save at the near post.
BAYERN SUB: The hosts make a change here as Kingsley Coman replaces Costa for the final 17 minutes plus stoppage time.
Bayern win yet another corner, and once more it is Martinez attacking it and getting his head to the ball. Once again, though, he can't make the most of the half-chance and the ball flies well off target.
GOAL! Bayern Munich 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Robert Lewandowski)
Now then! Bayern set us up for a blockbuster finale to this game by pulling one of their two goals back with 15 minutes still to play. Alaba swing a cross in from the left flank which Vidal rises to meet at the back post, planted a header back across goal. Lewandowski is there at the other post to nod it home from close range and give his side hope!
A reminder that Bayern still need one more goal without reply to progress from this match now. This one could not be set up much better going into the closing stages.
Half-chances at both ends in quick succession here as first an aerial ball finds Torres in the middle, but he can only flick his header off target, before Lewandowski latches on to a flick at the other end only to steer a volley wide.
Lahm seems to have moved into a central role for Bayern in these closing stages now, which is an interesting tactical switch from Guardiola. Just 11 minutes remain!
It's all getting very frantic now, with Atletico looking to waste time whenever possible and Bayern eager to get things going as quickly as possible.
ATLETICO SUB: The visitors make their second change of the evening as Thomas Partey replaces Griezmann.
SAVE! Coman tries to come up with something out of nothing as he cuts inside and gets a shot away, but he doesn't really catch it and it is a fairly comfortable save for Oblak in the end.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO MADRID!
SAVED!
Incredible scenes at the Allianz Arena as Neuer keeps his side in the tie! The penalty is awarded to Atletico as Torres bursts forward and is brought down by Martinez, although the replays suggest that the challenge took place outside the area. Torres himself stepped up, but his penalty is almost identical to Muller's from the first half and this time it is Neuer's turn to make the save!
What a game this has been, and that save means that there is still the chance for one final twist to come. Bayern are running out of time here, though.
SAVE! Another save from Oblak to make as Alaba volleys one towards goal from the edge of the box. His strike takes a deflection on the way though, but Oblak reacts in time to push it away.
Bayern Munich have FIVE minutes stoppage time to find a goal here! Can they do it or will Atletico hold on?
Coman gets half a chance at the back post twice in quick succession, but on both occasions he wastes them to take the pressure off Atletico.
ATLETICO SUB: A third and final change for the visitors sees Koke depart to be replaced by Stefan Savic.
FULL TIME: Bayern Munich 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Atletico win on away goals)
ATLETICO MADRID ARE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL!
Atletico hold on for the win to book their place in the Champions League final for the second time in the last three years! The Spanish outfit are beaten on the night, but go through on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw. It is Griezmann's second-half strike that proves decisive in the end following an action-packed match that saw both teams miss a penalty. Alonso and Lewandowski got the goals for Bayern, but it wasn't enough for Pep Guardiola's side.
That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's enthralling contest between Bayern and Atletico as Diego Simeone's side book their place in the final of the Champions League. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction from both camps too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Barney Corkhill
