Atletico Madrid stun Barcelona 2-0; PSG beat Liverpool

KATHMANDU: Atletico Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 victory over FC Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Camp Nou.

Barcelona started aggressively at home, dominating early proceedings.

However, the turning point came just before halftime when defender Pau Cubarsí was shown a red card for a foul from behind on Giuliano Simeone, reducing the hosts to 10 men.

Atletico capitalized immediately, with Julián Álvarez scoring from the resulting free kick in the 45th minute to give the visitors the lead.

Despite being a man down, Barcelona pushed forward in the second half. But Atletico doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when substitute Alexander Sørloth converted a pass from Matteo Ruggeri.

Barcelona created a few chances, including a goal from Marcus Rashford that was ruled out for offside, while another effort narrowly missed the target.

Head coach Hansi Flick introduced Robert Lewandowski and Pedri in the second half to boost the attack, but the hosts failed to score. The second leg will be played at Atletico’s home next week.

In another quarterfinal clash, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool FC 2-0 at Parc des Princes, strengthening their chances of progressing further.

PSG dominated from the outset but were initially denied a bigger lead due to poor finishing and an outstanding performance from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Désiré Doué found the net with a long-range strike that deflected off Ryan Gravenberch. Mamardashvili later made crucial saves, including denying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and stopping Doué in a one-on-one situation.

Liverpool had a chance before halftime, but Jeremie Frimpong missed from close range following a pass from Florian Wirtz.

PSG remained in control after the break. Although Ousmane Dembélé missed a good opportunity, the hosts eventually doubled their lead when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored after a brilliant assist from João Neves, dribbling past defenders and the goalkeeper.

A penalty initially awarded for a foul on Doué was later overturned following a VAR review by referee José María Sánchez Martínez.

The return leg will take place at Anfield next week.