Defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain moved a step closer to the semi-finals after a 2-0 first-leg win over Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals in Paris.
Teenager Desire Doue opened the scoring with a deflected effort that looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia calmly added a second. The result gives coach Luis Enrique a firm grip on the tie ahead of next week’s return leg at Anfield.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou after the hosts were reduced to 10 men. Defender Pau Cubarsi was shown a red card for bringing down Giuliano Simeone after going through on goal. Julian Alvarez curled the resulting free-kick into the top corner before Alexander Sorloth struck late to seal the win.
Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann told Movistar: “We have things to improve and learn from… we’re happy for the win but there’s a long way to go. We’re very far from the semis, we’re 90 or more minutes away… we’re confident but keeping our feet on the ground.”
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo insisted: “It will be tough there but if anyone can do it, it’s us. We’ve got great players, quality, personality, we will look for the comeback.”
Atletico, twice beaten in finals by Real Madrid, tightened their grip after already eliminating Barcelona from the Copa del Rey semi-finals last month.
Barcelona began brightly with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, posing a constant threat. Teenage star Lamine Yamal battled heavy marking, while Nahuel Molina and goalkeeper Juan Musso kept Atletico level before the red card changed the match.
Barca still created chances through Joan Garcia, Robin Le Normand, Koke, Dani Olmo and Pedri as coach Hansi Flick reshuffled after the break, replacing Robert Lewandowski with Gavi and Fermin Lopez.
A late move involving Matteo Ruggieri allowed Sorloth to overpower Gerard Martin and finish past Garcia, while Joao Cancelo was denied late on.
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