Atlético Madrid took an enormous step towards the Champions League semi-finals with a formidable 2-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona, with objectives from Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
Barça dominated for lengthy intervals within the first leg of their quarter-final at Camp Nou, but it surely was the groups’ fifth assembly of the season and second in 4 days, following Saturday’s 2-1 away win over the Blaugrana in La Liga.
Nevertheless, simply earlier than the tip of the primary half, Pau Kvarsi was despatched off for a last-man foul, permitting Alvarez to attain from a free kick. Hansi Flick’s aspect continued to press even with one man down, however Soros’ left-footed end means they’ve a mountain to climb if they’re to keep away from a shock sending off.
Each groups created early probabilities, with Marcus Rashford’s shot on aim blocked by Juan Musso along with his foot, however Ademola Lookman’s cross-shot nearly discovered former Barça ahead Antoine Gleitzmann on track.
Rashford put the ball into the web within the 18th minute, however the aim was disallowed for offside towards Lamine Yamal early on, and Barca started a comeback.
Nevertheless, it was an enormous double blow for Barça as Atleti moved ahead towards the development of play in the direction of the tip of the primary half.
After a VAR overview, Kvarsi was despatched off for clipping Giuliano Simeone from behind and was denied a one-on-one with Joao Garcia. From a free kick taken 25 yards out, Alvarez fired a sensational shot over the wall and past the diving Barça goalkeeper.
9- @9julianalvarez Scored the ninth aim @ChampionsLeague Aim of the season, greatest aim to this point @atletieenglish This was greater than Diego Costa’s eight within the 2013-14 season. nail. pic.twitter.com/TeuMYmqYiW
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 8, 2026
Flick responded by bringing off Robert Lewandowski and Pedri on the interval, however Barca nonetheless appeared harmful with Rashford the primary risk.
After going vast of Musso, he hit the aspect netting and a strong free kick from nearly the identical place as Alvarez’s aim hit the crossbar.
Atleti had been struggling to get out of their very own half regardless of being man-up, however substitute Sorloth silenced the Camp Nou as soon as once more within the seventieth minute when he curled Matteo Ruggieri’s first-time shot into the far nook.
As Barça continued to ship gamers ahead, Joao Cancelo fired a shot vast of the submit. Barça had been despatched off to applause at full-time regardless of the defeat, however they’ve a number of work to do in subsequent week’s second leg.
Knowledge report: Kvarsi historic purple was costly after weekend controversy
After Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat to Barça, Atleti supervisor Diego Simeone was livid that Gerard Martin’s purple card for a stud-up problem on Thiago Almada was rescinded.
Nevertheless, one other younger Barça defender was not so fortunate right here. Kvarsi turned the primary participant in Champions League historical past to be despatched off twice as a teen (towards Benfica within the Spherical of 16 of the 2024/25 season).
Nonetheless, Barça completed the sport with 18 photographs to Atleti’s 5 and gained the anticipated objectives (xG) battle 1.16 to 0.45, but it surely was the away strikers who took benefit of the possibilities.
Alvarez’s 9 objectives within the Champions League this season are essentially the most ever by an Atleti participant in a single season, surpassing Diego Costa’s eight in 2013/14, and making him the second customer to attain from a direct free-kick for Barcelona within the competitors, after Stuttgart’s Antonio da Silva in December 2007.
In the meantime, super-sub Soros has scored six objectives in 12 Champions League appearances this season, however just one aim within the first 12 video games within the competitors.
