FC Barcelona suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, putting their European campaign in danger.
Barcelona began brightly at the Spotify Camp Nou, creating early chances but failing to convert. Marcus Rashford was heavily involved in their attacking play, but his efforts were denied by Juan Musso, who produced key saves to keep Atlético level.
The turning point came just before half-time when Pau Cubarsí was sent off following a VAR review for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving Barcelona down to 10 men.
Atlético capitalised immediately. From the resulting free kick, Julián Álvarez delivered a precise finish to put the visitors ahead.
Despite being a man down, Barcelona tried to control possession in the second half. Manager Hansi Flick made tactical changes in search of a response, but his side lacked sharpness in the final third.
Atlético sealed the win in the 70th minute when Alexander Sørloth volleyed home from a well-delivered cross by Matteo Ruggeri.
The result gives Atlético a strong advantage heading into the return leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. At the same time, Barcelona now face an uphill task to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
