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Atletico Madrid took a major stride toward the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after securing a clinical 2–0 victory over a 10-man Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night — their first win at the stadium since 2006.
The visitors scored in either half through Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, BBC reports.
Barcelona had been the better side early on, but the match shifted dramatically just before half-time when Pau Cubarsí fouled Giuliano Simeone as he raced through on goal.
Referee István Kovács initially issued a yellow card, but VAR intervention led to it being upgraded to a straight red after a pitchside review.
From the resulting free-kick, Álvarez curled a superb effort into the back of the net to give Atletico the lead.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Barcelona dominated much of the second half and created several chances.
Marcus Rashford came closest when he rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, and he had another effort ruled out after Lamine Yamal was flagged offside.
Atletico, however, remained disciplined and punished Barcelona on the break, with Sørloth finishing Matteo Ruggeri’s low cross for their second goal.
Barcelona came into the match unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and had recently defeated Atletico 2–1 in La Liga.
But despite registering 24 attempts on goal, they were undone by a decisive two-minute spell involving the red card and free-kick goal.
Atletico have eliminated Barcelona in both previous Champions League knockout meetings, and Hansi Flick’s side now face a daunting task in next Tuesday’s return leg in Madrid.
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