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Atlético Reach Champions League Semis After Bloody Musso–Fermín Collision

The fallout now centers on player safety and refereeing standards.

Overview

  • - Atlético Madrid advanced 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the quarter-final second leg.
  • - Barcelona’s Fermín López was struck in the face by goalkeeper Juan Musso’s boot, bled heavily, received on-field treatment, continued for a spell, and was substituted after 68 minutes.
  • - After the team returned to Catalonia, López went to hospital for additional stitches to his lip and is expected to rest to reduce the risk of infection.
  • - Musso told Spain’s RTVE the contact was unintentional and later used Instagram to clarify his phrasing and say he apologized to López on and off the pitch.
  • - Barcelona president Joan Laporta called the episode intolerable and Raphinha said the team was robbed, while Atlético await Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals and Barça refocus on La Liga with a nine-point lead.