Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth struck as Atletico Madrid claimed a commanding 2–0 victory over 10-man Barcelona in a fiery Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
Barcelona had been in control of the all-Spanish clash at Camp Nou before the game turned on a pivotal moment late in the first half. Pau Cubarsi was sent off after hauling down Giuliano Simeone as he raced through on goal, leaving the hosts a man down.
Alvarez made Barcelona pay immediately, curling the resulting free-kick into the top corner. Sorloth then doubled Atletico’s advantage with 20 minutes remaining, putting Diego Simeone’s side in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
“We have things to improve and learn from… we’re happy for the win but there’s a long way to go,” Antoine Griezmann told Movistar. “We’re very far from the semis, we’re 90 or more minutes away. We’re confident but keeping our feet on the ground.”
Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, now face a daunting task in the return leg in Madrid if they are to keep alive hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2015.
“It will be tough there, but if anyone can do it, it’s us,” said Ronald Araujo. “We’ve got great players, quality, personality, we will look for the comeback.”
The match was the second of three meetings between the sides in a fortnight, following Atletico’s Copa del Rey semi-final triumph over Barca in March.
The hosts started brightly, with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, posing a constant threat down the left flank. Atletico focused their defensive efforts on containing teenage star Lamine Yamal, which allowed Rashford more space to operate.
The England forward came closest early on but was denied by Juan Musso, while at the other end Alvarez tested Joan Garcia. Rashford remained a lively presence, volleying narrowly wide before seeing a composed finish ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Yamal, despite being heavily marked, showed flashes of brilliance, though his efforts were thwarted by a disciplined Atletico defence.
Barcelona appeared to be in control, with Griezmann largely quiet against his former club, but Cubarsi’s dismissal shifted the momentum dramatically. Initially shown a yellow card by referee Istvan Kovacs, the decision was upgraded to red following a VAR review.
Moments later, Alvarez’s stunning free-kick gave Atletico the lead.
Hansi Flick responded at half-time, introducing Gavi and Fermin Lopez to inject energy into the side. Despite being a man down, Barcelona continued to create chances, with Rashford again at the heart of their attacking play.
Set up by Yamal, Rashford rounded Musso but could only find the side netting, while another free-kick from the forward was tipped over by the Atletico goalkeeper.
However, it was Atletico who struck again, this time against the run of play. Griezmann combined with Matteo Ruggieri before the latter delivered a cross for Sorloth, who powered past Gerard Martin and finished emphatically.
Barcelona, beaten at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025, now have a mountain to climb in the second leg.
For Simeone, it was a landmark result, his first victory at Camp Nou in 14 years as Atletico manager, and one that puts his side within touching distance of the Champions League semi-finals.
AFP
