Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain booked their places in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday after two dramatically different nights across Europe — one defined by survival, the other by control.

At the Metropolitano, Atletico reached their first semi-final in nine years by edging past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite suffering a tense 2-1 home defeat that left fans on edge until the final whistle.

Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Diego Simeone’s side were rocked early as Barcelona stormed back. Lamine Yamal capitalised on a Clement Lenglet error to score inside four minutes before Ferran Torres doubled the visitors’ lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate.

Atletico responded through Ademola Lookman, whose composed finish in the 31st minute restored their aggregate lead and reignited the home crowd.

Barcelona dominated possession in the second half and thought they had taken control when Torres found the net again, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. Their hopes took a decisive blow when Eric Garcia was sent off for a last-man foul, leaving the visitors with 10 men.

Despite late pressure, Atletico held firm to secure a semi-final spot, where they will face either Arsenal or Sporting CP.

“We’ve been dreaming big for a long time,” goalkeeper Juan Musso said. “We knew we could do it.”

Meanwhile, at a rain-soaked Anfield, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a clinical performance to defeat Liverpool 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

Ousmane Dembele proved the difference, scoring twice in the second half to silence the home crowd and send PSG into their fifth semi-final in seven seasons.

After a dominant first half from the visitors, Liverpool surged after the break, creating several chances through Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister but failing to convert.

Dembele struck against the run of play in the 72nd minute, curling a precise effort into the bottom corner, before sealing the result in stoppage time with a close-range finish.

The match was also marked by a worrying injury to Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, who was stretchered off in the first half.

PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

“We managed to stay strong and defended well,” said PSG captain Marquinhos. “You can see how the team has matured.”

While Atletico survived a storm in Madrid, PSG demonstrated composure and efficiency in England — two contrasting paths to the same destination: the Champions League last four.