Atlético won on the night, in their last-ever European game at the Vicente Calderón, but it was Real Madrid who marched on to the final against Juventus in Cardiff on 3 June.

The Zinedine Zidane team will now attempt to become the first side to successfully defend their UEFA Champions League crown.

The qualification tonight was nearly impossible.

Atlético required a minor miracle after last week’s Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 3-0 first-leg defeat but amid a sensational opening their prayers looked like being answered.

Saúl Ñíguez’s header raised hopes and when Antoine Griezmann’s mis-hit penalty found the net four minutes later, it was on.

In a semi-final played at frenetic pace, Zinédine Zidane’s men slowly found their poise and three minutes before half-time the white half of the Spanish capital breathed a collective sigh of relief as Isco slotted in.

It meant Atletico had to score three more; to their credit, they gave it a go.

Yet when Kaylor Navas brilliantly denied substitute Kevin Gameiro midway through the second period, the jig was up. (NAN/uefa.com)