Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned Atletico Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead over 10-man Barcelona in a tense UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
The La Liga leaders were on top in the all-Spanish tie at Camp Nou before Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal.
How Atletico Madrid Beat Barcelona?
Alvarez whipped home the resulting free-kick and Sorloth doubled the advantage with 20 minutes remaining, giving Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Diego Simeone’s side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions.
“We have things to improve and learn from… we’re happy for the win but there’s a long
way to go,” Atletico’s 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, must produce a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015.
“It will be tough there but if anyone can do it, it’s us,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar.
VAR Controversy
Barca coach Hansi Flick was upset by the use of VAR to punish his side with Cubarsi’s red card but not to analyse a potential handball by Atletico’s Marc Pubill in the second half.
The defender touched the ball with his hand after goalkeeper Juan Musso passed it to him so he could take the goal kick himself, an incident Flick said should have been reviewed.
“The VAR was very focussed today for Atletico, he’s a German guy, so thanks Germany,” complained the former Germany national team boss.
“It’s for me a clear red card, then it (can) change (things) totally.”
Diego Simeone said the decision that was made was “common sense”.
Historic Win
Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March, and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in the space of a fortnight.
Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025 — and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year reign in charge of the Rojiblancos.
It was Atletico’s first win at Camp Nou since 2006 and a potential stepping stone towards the trophy they crave most.
(With inputs from Agencies)
