Red-and-whites knocked out Sporting CP away (2-1 on aggregate) to qualify for the semifinals of the Europa League. Locals fought hard to remain on European competition and gained advantage after Montero’s opener on the first half. But Atlético soaked up the pressure on the second half and with Fernando Torres coming on the pitch to replace injured Diego Costa created some clear chances for visitors. So despite the 1-0 loss, Madrilenians advanced on aggregate to the last-four round of the Europa League.

Sporting CP gave it their all and made the match difficult for our team in the José Alvalade. Fredy Montero scored the only goal of the match in the 28th minute.

Visitors soaked up the pressure and in the second half began to create good opportunities on the counter. Fernando Torres, who came on for Diego Costa in the 52nd minute, was very active in Sporting's side of the pitch. But the best chances for our side came from Antoine Griezmann's boots. The Frenchman had two great opportunities to score, but wasn't able to.

- Match stats:

Sporting CP: Rui Patricio; André Pinto, Coates, Mathieu (Petrovic, 26’), Ristovski (Doumbia, 80’); Bruno Fernandes, Battaglia; Gelson Martins, Ruiz (Rubén Ribeiro, 70’), Acuña; y Montero.

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godín, Lucas (Vrsaljko, 46’); Vitolo (Correa, 59’), Saúl, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann y Diego Costa (Fernando Torres, 52’).

Bookings: Milorad Mazic (Serbia) booked Rostovski (29’), Montero (66’), Bruno Fernandes (76’), Battaglia (90’); Fernando Torres (70’) and Oblak (93’).

Goals:

1-0 (28’) Montero.