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Atlético raids Barcelona and leaves the tie in trouble
FC Barcelona took a step backwards in the Champions League after losing 0–2 to Atlético de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou. Simeone’s team takes an advantage from the first leg and forces Barça to come back at the Metropolitano.
The match changed just before half-time. Barça, who had dominated much of the game, were reduced to ten players after Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the 42nd minute. The action, reviewed by VAR, marked a before and after in the match.
From then on, Atlético found their moment. Julián Álvarez made the most of the ensuing free kick to score directly and put the red-and-whites ahead just before half-time, a key blow in the course of the match.
In the second half, the script remained the same: Barça's possession and attacking drive against a solid, well-organised Atlético. Despite creating more chances, Hansi Flick's side could not beat either the opposing defence or goalkeeper Juan Musso, who was decisive between the posts.
The second blow came in the 70th minute. Alexander Sørloth finished off a quick transition to extend the lead and leave the tie very much in favour of the Madrid side.
The result leaves Barcelona obliged to come back away from home. Atlético, true to their style, took advantage of every key moment in the match to turn an even contest into a convincing victory.
The tie will be decided at the Metropolitano, where Simeone's team will seek to seal a place in the semi-finals. Barça, once again, will have to respond on a high-stakes European night.