BARCELONA, Spain — On Wednesday, Julián Álvarez showcased precisely what Barcelona is lacking, as Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 victory at Camp Nou, ending a 20-year wait for a win at the iconic stadium and inching closer to a potential UEFA Champions League semifinal appearance.
Álvarez kicked off the scoring just before halftime with a remarkable free kick, after Pau Cubarsí was sent off following a last-man foul on Giuliano Simeone outside the penalty area. Alexander Sørloth, coming off the bench, netted the second goal with 20 minutes remaining, putting Atlético in a strong position ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg at the Metropolitano.
This victory marked Atlético’s long-awaited success at Camp Nou, as they became the first visiting team to triumph at the refurbished venue since Barcelona’s return last November—2006 was the last time Atlético managed to secure a win here, ending a run of 25 matches without a victory, which began five years before Diego Simeone took charge. Now, thanks in part to Álvarez, Simeone has finally captured a win at Camp Nou.
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Álvarez’s goal, a spectacular shot from 25 yards, came right after Cubarsí’s dismissal, serving as a double blow to Barcelona that they may feel was unjust, considering the minor nature of the center-back’s challenge on Simeone. Initially, a yellow card was issued to Cubarsí, but it was upgraded to red following a VAR review.
Following that, Álvarez found the top corner, celebrating in front of the Atlético fans at Camp Nou. As the red-and-white supporters rejoiced, Barcelona fans undoubtedly pondered how the match could have differed had Álvarez played for their team.
Barcelona is searching for a new No. 9 this summer, as Robert Lewandowski ages and Ferran Torres approaches the final year of his contract. While Álvarez might be too costly—with Atlético likely demanding over €100 million for him—he remains a coveted target for the Blaugrana.
“Julián is in fantastic form,” stated Atlético teammate Antoine Griezmann after the match. “He possesses that extra quality, and I hope his contributions will take us all the way to the final.”
His remarkable strike marked his ninth goal in this Champions League season, along with four assists, bringing his total contributions to 13. Only Kylian Mbappé has more, with 15 in the competition.
Álvarez’s relentless energy, which was missing from Barça’s attack at times, particularly in the first half without the injured Raphinha, was also notable. Marcus Rashford, starting on the left in Raphinha’s absence, and Lewandowski can both be clinical, but neither matched the Argentine’s hustle. Even early in the match, Álvarez gave Barcelona a warning, weaving through the defense to force a save from Joan García.
At the other end, Barcelona continued to create opportunities in this crucial encounter, the second of three matches between the teams scheduled within 11 days. Barcelona won the first leg in LaLiga on Saturday but must now focus on the third leg to maintain their aspirations of clinching the Champions League title for the first time since 2015.
Rashford saw early opportunities thwarted twice by Juan Musso, and Lewandowski struggled to influence the play. Although rookie Lamine Yamal showed occasional brilliance, many of his dazzle moments happened in areas where Atlético felt secure.
The game unfolded briskly in the first 20 minutes. Ademola Lookman saw a shot deflected over for Atlético, while João Cancelo and Rashford created chances for Barça, although when Rashford found the net, the goal was disallowed for offside against Yamal.
As the match wore on, Musso had to remain sharp, denying Rashford again and forcing a total of seven saves from him—Rashford led the match with that tally—as tension built within Camp Nou due to the lack of a goal and mounting frustration toward the officiating.
Atlético’s captain Koke eventually received a yellow card, though many felt he should have had at least two more for his fouls on Pedri and Yamal. The home crowd became increasingly agitated before Cubarsí’s red card changed the game’s dynamics, marking only the second in his career—his first also being in a Champions League knockout round against Benfica last year. Álvarez capitalized on the opportunity that followed.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Gavi and Fermín López to replace the largely ineffective Lewandowski and the semi-fit Pedri. These substitutions injected fresh energy as Rashford hit the side netting and forced Musso into yet another save from a free kick.
Home supporters grew increasingly restless, particularly after feeling there was a missed penalty opportunity when Musso appeared to play the ball from a goal kick, with Marc Pubill subsequently touching it with his hand before passing it back. Barça fans were incensed by the lack of VAR intervention.
“I am unsure what the protocol is when the goalkeeper begins play and the defender touches the ball with his hand before passing again,” Flick voiced after the match. “To me, it seems like a clear red card, or at least a second yellow for Pubill, as well as a penalty. The referees can clarify why they made that decision.”
Hope for Barça was effectively extinguished when Atlético struck their second goal in the 70th minute. Matteo Ruggeri created space on the left side and delivered a cross that Sørloth turned into a goal, perhaps providing an invaluable advantage for the second leg.
Despite playing the majority of the match with one less player, Musso continued to face pressure, saving shots from Cancelo and Yamal. Barcelona finished with 18 shots to Atlético’s five.
“We battled diligently today with one player short, but luck was not on our side,” Flick remarked. “The fight isn’t over yet. The path to the semifinal might be far but we still have a chance to turn it around.”
The deciding match will take place next week in Madrid. “We can do this,” shouted Barça supporters as the players acknowledged the crowd at full-time. However, about 20 minutes later, all that could be heard was the celebration from Atlético fans, who remained in the stadium as Álvarez ensured it was a memorable night for them.