Javier Hernandez netted a fairytale late winner for Real Madrid to secure a fiercely-contested victory over city rivals Atletico.
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The Mexican striker has been rarely used since joining Los Blancos on loan from Manchester United but manager Carlo Ancelotti handed him a start after a series of injury blows to his squad.
And Hernandez vindicated that decision by providing the biggest goal threat all night, and eventually sending his team into the semi-finals by pouncing for the tie’s only goal three minutes from time.
Spain is 1st country with 2 teams in Champions League semifinals in 5 straight seasons (this year: Real Madrid, Barcelona)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2015
For much of the preceding 87 minutes it had appeared that extra time was likely, but Real were the worthy winners on the whole after creating far more clear chances over the two legs, while Atletico played the final stages with 10 men after Arda Turan was sent off.
Both managers sprang selection surprises before kick-off, with Ancelotti selecting Sergio Ramos in the centre of midfield, while Diego Simeone picked young midfielder Saul Niguez ahead of captain Gabi.
However, Simeone was made to pay for his negative approach to the game when Turan’s dismissal swung the game in Real’s favour prior to Hernandez’s strike.
The Mexican had been responsible for a series of squandered second-half chances prior to finally converting with moments remaining after a powerful run from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Juventus are through to the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 2003 after a goalless draw in their quarter-final, second leg with Monaco.
A controversial Arturo Vidal penalty in the first leg in Turin last week ultimately proved enough for the Serie A leaders, who relied on their defensive strength to see off opponents again let down by their lack of quality in the final third.
Great snap of Gianluigi Buffon after Juventus made it to the Champions League semis for the 1st time in 12 years pic.twitter.com/JAhz4R0fG8
— 101 Great Goals (@102greatgoals) April 22, 2015
A Monaco side full of youthful enthusiasm pushed forward for long spells, but Juventus – who had let in just one goal in their previous nine matches – always looked in control and veteran ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon was never seriously threatened.
The Italian giants came closest to scoring from a 90th-minute Andrea Pirlo free-kick that clipped the bar and can now look forward to Friday’s semi-final draw, where they will not mind being considered the underdogs alongside Bayern Munich, Barcelona and holders Real Madrid.
