FC Barcelona falls to a 2-0 defeat against Atlético Madrid, leaving them with a two-goal deficit to overturn in the return leg.
Pau Cubarsí was sent off just before halftime for a tactical foul, and Julián Álvarez curled in a stunning free-kick just before half-time to give Atlético the lead.
Despite dominating possession, Barcelona wasted several big chances and looked vulnerable on transitions.
Alexander Sørloth added a clinical second goal in the 2nd half, leaving Barcelona with a tough task to overturn the deficit in the second leg in Madrid.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings:
Joan García (6/10)
Had little to do for most of the game but was beaten by a brilliant free-kick from Julián Álvarez.
Looked shaky on the delivery and could have done better with his positioning on the set-piece.
Jules Koundé (6.5/10)
Solid in possession and made some important interceptions during Barcelona’s spells of control.
Struggled at times with Atlético’s quick transitions and looked exposed after the red card.
Pau Cubarsí (5.5/10)
Started brightly with good reading of the game, but made a reckless challenge leading to his red card.
His dismissal shifted the momentum and left the defence vulnerable for the rest of the match.
Gerard Martín (7.0/10)
One of Barcelona’s better performers, showing composure on the ball and decent defensive work.
Provided width and supported attacks well before the numerical disadvantage made things tougher.
João Cancelo (6.5/10)
Offered some threat going forward and linked play nicely on the left side.
Defensively caught out on a few occasions, especially during Atlético’s counter-attacks.
Pedri (7.5/10)
Tried to dictate tempo in midfield and created a few promising moments.
Faded after the red card and couldn’t find the killer pass to break down Atlético’s low block.
Dani Olmo (7/10)
Showed good vision and was involved in most of Barcelona’s attacking sequences.
Missed some decent opportunities to create clearer chances in the final third.
Lamine Yamal (8/10)
Barcelona’s most dangerous attacker with several dazzling dribbles and dangerous deliveries.
Created multiple big chances but was let down by poor finishing from teammates around him.
Marcus Rashford (5/10)
Worked hard on the left and stretched Atlético’s defence with his pace.
Lacked end product and wasted a couple of promising positions in the attacking third.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10)
Dropped deep to link play but struggled to find space against Atlético’s compact defence.
Missed a couple of half-chances and couldn’t provide the clinical edge Barcelona needed.
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