Bayern Munich 2, Atletico Madrid 1 (Agg: 2-2, Atletico win on away goals) Manchester City-bound Pep Guardiola fails to deliver Champions League parting gift
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola’s quest to deliver Champions League glory as his leaving gift before joining Manchester City in the summer was destroyed as Atletico Madrid progressed from Tuesday's semi-final second leg on away goals.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Bayern levelled the tie through former Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso but wasted a golden opportunity to press ahead as Thomas Muller’s penalty was repelled by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Prolific forward Antoine Griezmann netted Atletico’s pivotal strike in the opening stages of the second period, while Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski set up a tense finale, only for Fernando Torres to fluff a spot-kick and the chance to diffuse the strain.
Victory in the tie propelled Atletico to their second Champions League final in three years where they will face the victors of Wednesday's clash between 10-time tournament winners Real Madrid and Manchester City on 28 May.
In contrast, Bayern maintained their record of suffering a last-four exit in each of Guardiola’s three years in charge at the Allianz Arena.
Defeat also ended the prospect of an intriguing final between Guardiola’s current employers Bayern and City — the club he is set to join at the conclusion of the season.
Playing in their fifth successive Champions League semi-final, five-time winners Bayern stormed into the lead on 31 minutes as Alonso’s deflected free-kick deceived Oblak, who saved Muller’s penalty before half time.
Los Rojiblancos equalised on 53 minutes as Griezmann coolly slotted his 31st goal of the season past Bayern stopper Manuel Neuer after latching onto a Torres through ball.
Bayern had 33 attempts on goal and enjoyed 72 per cent of possession but could only muster one more goal as Lewandowski headed home from close range in the 74th minute, while Torres saw his penalty saved by Neuer.