All articles tagged with #champions league
Ronald Koeman argues Barcelona’s current setup depends too much on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha; with Raphinha injured and the other attackers struggling for goals, the team risks losing creativity, rhythm, and confidence when these two aren’t firing, underscoring the need for more players to share the workload as they navigate Champions League challenges.
Barça must orchestrate a historic comeback in Madrid after a 0-2 home loss to Atlético, exacerbated by Cubarsí’s red card. They outshot their rivals 18–5 and had a higher expected goals (1.21 vs 0.45), but overturning the deficit away from home remains a steep challenge—only Manchester United in 2019 has done so in similar circumstances. The team stays hopeful and will need to replicate and convert their chances in the second leg at the Metropolitano to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
Barcelona’s 0-2 loss to Atlético Madrid highlighted a growing disciplinary crisis: since 2016/17 Barça have 12 Champions League red cards—the most among Europe’s big clubs—far ahead of Real Madrid (6) and Bayern Munich (8). The trend is linked to Hansi Flick’s high defensive line, which has produced four red cards in two seasons, including Pau Cubarsi’s two reds in a year and Ronald Araujo’s two in two seasons, often forcing risky defensive fouls that blunt Barça’s attacking edge in big matches.
Barcelona have filed a UEFA complaint alleging a grave lack of VAR intervention in their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid, arguing a handball by Marc Pubill in the box should have been penalised after a goal-kick restart and that VAR did not intervene. They request an investigation, access to refereeing communications, and acknowledgment of the errors. Atletico led through Julian Alvaraz's free-kick after Pau Cubarsi was sent off on a VAR review, and Alexander Sorloth sealed the win, the first for Atletico at the Nou Camp since 2006.
Barcelona were routed 2-0 at the Camp Nou by Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, highlighted by Pau Cubarsí’s red card and Julián Álvarez’s influential display, leaving them with a two-goal deficit to overturn in Madrid as they bid for a late comeback and a possible title run.
Liverpool lined up with five at the back in Paris to chase a nil-nil, but a deflected Désiré Doué goal and a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike put them 2-0 down. VAR gave them a lifeline by overturning a penalty and did not intervene on a late Konaté shove, keeping the tie alive for a potential comeback at Anfield. Yet the Reds offered little going forward and now face a tough second leg alongside looming domestic fixtures.
Paris Saint-Germain took a commanding 2-0 lead over Liverpool in the Champions League first leg, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on target. Liverpool lined up with a back five and Salah benched, but couldn’t curb PSG’s wide attacking threat, while Giorgi Mamardashvili made several crucial saves. The tie now shifts to Anfield for the return leg, where Liverpool must raise intensity, press higher and convert chances to have any hope of turning the tie around.
Barcelona went down to 10 men when Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a late first-half foul, costing a free-kick that put Atletico Madrid ahead and setting the tone for a 0-2 defeat ahead of the second leg. Lamine Yamal was Barca’s brightest spark, but the red card after halftime left them short of ideas and players, with Pedri sacrificed at the break as Atletico pressed home their numerical advantage.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot conceded PSG were the better team in the 2-0 first leg and said his side spent long periods in “survival mode.” He explained a three-centre-back setup to counter PSG’s pace, discussed pressing high against Hakimi and Mendes, noted Joe Gomez’s inclusion for set-piece quality, and said Mohamed Salah was rested to preserve energy. Slot stressed the importance of a loud Anfield atmosphere and indicated tactical tweaks for the return leg, stressing that the tie remains very much alive.
Barcelona failed to control midfield against Atletico Madrid as Dani Olmo underperformed, Flick’s halftime substitutions (Pedri and Lewandowski) were bold but risky, and Marcus Rashford contributed with tireless running and clever movement though he didn’t score in the 0-2 first-leg defeat.
Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 2-0 in Paris as Klopp opted for a five-man defence and the Reds offered little going forward, failing to register a shot on target while PSG dominated with 18 shots and 74% possession. Despite the setback, Liverpool still have a route back in the second leg at Anfield, with Arne Slot saying they are in survival mode but not yet eliminated.
Barcelona announced its starting XI for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou: Lewandowski returns as the striker, Olmo to No. 10, and Fermin López drops to the bench after a training scare. Jules Koundé comes back at right-back, with Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin in defense behind goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Pedri and Eric Garcia band in midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford occupy the wide roles. Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal are unavailable for the match.
Atletico Madrid surged to a 2-0 lead over Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Camp Nou, with Julián Álvarez scoring just before halftime and Ruggeri sealing the win in the 70th minute, after Pau Cubarsí was sent off for DOGSO in the 44th minute to leave Barça with 10 men.
Paris Saint-Germain took a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, with Desire Doué opening the scoring and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia adding a second; Liverpool created little in reply as PSG looked dangerous on the counter, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Live updates from the Champions League quarter-finals show Paris Saint‑Germain leading Liverpool 1-0 at Parc des Princes after Désiré Doué’s deflected strike, while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are 0-0 at Camp Nou; Mamardashvili makes a string of key saves as PSG press dominates, and a flurry of bookings and chances points to a tense second half across both ties.