Inspired by the talent of Julián Álvarez, Atlético Madrid took control of the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 first-leg win over 10-man Barcelona.
Two of Álvarez’s best moments tipped the game in Atlético’s favor before half-time, and Diego Simeone began his journey to his first win at the Spotify Camp Nou as Barcelona’s winning streak at the renovated stadium ended at 14.
Shortly after Barça defender Pau Kvarsi was sent off following a VAR review for a last-man challenge on an on-the-moment Guiliano Simeone, Alvarez’s 25-yard free-kick was converted into the top corner.
The former Manchester City forward’s lob-through ball sliced through the Barcelona defense and clipped the Atlético manager’s son’s back leg, where Kvarsi should have found his way into the goal.
Alvarez’s free kick put Atlético ahead and prevented the end of the game.
Substitute former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth doubled Atletico’s advantage with 20 minutes remaining, putting Simeone’s side in a dominant position and progressing to the Champions League semi-finals where they will face either Arsenal or Sporting.
Barça were furious and Atlético substitute Marc Poubil, who was already booked, received no penalty as he picked up the ball in his own area as goalkeeper Juan Musso rolled it during the goal kick.
In a similar scenario, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings was sent off at Club Brugge in 2024.
Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford attacks Atletico Madrid’s defense
Marcus Rashford came on from the start of the game to replace Barcelona’s injured forward Rafinha and created a chance when his team were leading by one goal, but his excellent through ball from Lamine Yamal was wasted as it hit the bar.
The on-loan Manchester United forward had a brilliant night with seven shots, two more than the entire Atletico squad, but ultimately fell short of the task of stepping up in Rafinha’s absence.
Barcelona will take confidence from the fact they almost overturned a 4-0 deficit in the first leg against Atletico in February’s Copa del Rey, but lost 4-3 on aggregate in the two legs.
Opta stats: Simeone ends long wait for victory at Camp Nou
Atlético Madrid defeated Barcelona at the Camp Nou for the first time since February 2006, ending a 25-match winless streak at the stadium (D8 L17). Barcelona have been eliminated from each of their last three knockout ties in the Champions League by losing the first leg at home. After losing only 4 of their first 45 matches (W4 D1), Atlético Madrid have lost 3 of their last 8 home matches in the knockout phase (W31) and their first win away from home in the Champions League in 7 matches (D1 L5). This is their first win since defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Round of 16 in 2021-22. For the first time, manager Hansi Flick saw one of his team fail to score in a Champions League knockout stage match (round 18). Barcelona, on the other hand, have failed to score in a home match for the first time in any competition. Julián Álvarez scored his ninth goal of the season in the Champions League, making him the most goals scored by an Atlético Madrid player in a single season, surpassing Diego Costa’s eight goals in 2013-14.
