Atletico Madrid secure a 2-0 win over 10-man Barcelona in Champions League Quarter-Final first leg, ending long winless run at Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid ended their long wait for a win at Camp Nou with a clinical 2-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth in either half secured a crucial advantage for the visitors, who capitalised on Barcelona being reduced to 10 men late in the first half.
Barcelona had looked the stronger side for much of the opening period, controlling possession and creating the better chances. However, the game turned just before half-time when Pau Cubarsi fouled Giuliano Simeone as
he raced through on goal.
Referee Istvan Kovacs initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it to a red after a VAR review, leaving Barcelona a man down at a critical moment. Alvarez then made the most of the opportunity, curling a superb free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to give Atletico the lead.
Despite the setback, Barcelona responded impressively after the break, dominating possession and pushing for an equaliser. Marcus Rashford came closest, striking the crossbar with a powerful free-kick.
But as Barcelona pressed forward, Atletico struck again on the counter-attack. Matteo Ruggeri delivered a low cross into the box, which Sorloth calmly converted to double the visitors’ advantage.
The result leaves Barcelona with a significant task ahead as they head to Madrid for the second leg next Tuesday, needing a major turnaround to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
