April 2026 – Page 409

Deadspin | Virginia extends Tony Elliott through 2030 season Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on before the Gator Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images Virginia head coach Tony Elliott agreed to a contract extension that spans through the 2030 season, the university announced Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed for Elliott, who guided the Cavaliers to a school-record 11 wins last season following their 13-7 victory over Missouri in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Virginia also made the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in 2025. Elliott, 46, was named the ACC Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award. That’s quite the turnaround after Elliott finished his previous three seasons with an 11-23 record. “The commitment to football at the University of Virginia is real and palpable throughout our building,” Elliott said. “I’m proud of the foundation that we have laid and excited for what we can do together in the years to come.” Virginia athletic director Carla Williams also praised Elliott for guiding the program through difficult times. “We are extremely fortunate to have Tony Elliott continue to lead our football program,” Williams said. “His commitment to the values of the University of Virginia and his commitment to developing the whole person through football have been a blessing. His vision of building the model program has never wavered, despite extraordinary adversity. The future is bright for UVA Football and we’re excited to continue this work together.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Virginia #extends #Tony #Elliott #season

#Deadspin #Virginia #extends #Tony #Elliott #season">

April 9, 2026

Sports news

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on before the Gator Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott agreed to a contract extension that spans through the 2030 season, the university announced Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Elliott, who guided the Cavaliers to a school-record 11 wins last season following their 13-7 victory over Missouri in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Virginia also made the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in 2025.

Elliott, 46, was named the ACC Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award.

That’s quite the turnaround after Elliott finished his previous three seasons with an 11-23 record.

“The commitment to football at the University of Virginia is real and palpable throughout our building,” Elliott said. “I’m proud of the foundation that we have laid and excited for what we can do together in the years to come.”

Virginia athletic director Carla Williams also praised Elliott for guiding the program through difficult times.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Tony Elliott continue to lead our football program,” Williams said. “His commitment to the values of the University of Virginia and his commitment to developing the whole person through football have been a blessing. His vision of building the model program has never wavered, despite extraordinary adversity. The future is bright for UVA Football and we’re excited to continue this work together.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Virginia #extends #Tony #Elliott #season">Deadspin | Virginia extends Tony Elliott through 2030 season

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on before the Gator Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott agreed to a contract extension that spans through the 2030 season, the university announced Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Elliott, who guided the Cavaliers to a school-record 11 wins last season following their 13-7 victory over Missouri in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Virginia also made the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in 2025.

Elliott, 46, was named the ACC Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award.

That’s quite the turnaround after Elliott finished his previous three seasons with an 11-23 record.

“The commitment to football at the University of Virginia is real and palpable throughout our building,” Elliott said. “I’m proud of the foundation that we have laid and excited for what we can do together in the years to come.”

Virginia athletic director Carla Williams also praised Elliott for guiding the program through difficult times.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Tony Elliott continue to lead our football program,” Williams said. “His commitment to the values of the University of Virginia and his commitment to developing the whole person through football have been a blessing. His vision of building the model program has never wavered, despite extraordinary adversity. The future is bright for UVA Football and we’re excited to continue this work together.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Virginia #extends #Tony #Elliott #season

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on before…

Defending European champion Paris St Germain was a ‌cut above Liverpool as goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spurred it to an easy 2-0 home win in its Champions ⁠League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday.

Doue and Kvaratskhelia struck either side of half-time to give Luis Enrique’s side a solid advantage ahead of next week’s return at Anfield, where PSG booked ‌its place in the last eight last season.

Doue opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a superb ‌solo run and finish, but PSG wasted a handful of chances that ‌would ⁠have further strengthened their push for the semifinals.

Liverpool, thrashed 4-0 by ⁠Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals at the weekend, set up cautiously with three centre backs and Mohamed Salah on the bench, but struggled to contain a PSG side that mixed patient possession with bursts of attacking intensity.

Arne ‌Slot opted for a back three with wings but the defence held for only 11 minutes at the Parc des Princes.

Doue picked up the ball on the left side of the box and his curled shot towards the opposite ‌top corner took a slight deflection off Ryan Gravenberch and went out of Giorgi Mamardashvili’s reach.

Liverpool was hanging on for dear life, picking up two yellow cards in three minutes, and barely threatened.

ZERO SHOTS ⁠ON TARGET FOR LIVERPOOL

As the visitor’s defence scrambled a clearance, Kvaratskhelia fired a half-volley that forced Mamardashvili to fully stretch. The ‘keeper then denied Doue from point-blank ‌range, preserving Liverpool’s deficit to a minimum.

Next, Ousmane Dembele missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage when he shot straight at the ‘keeper at the end of a sharp transition.

Liverpool, which did not manage a single shot before the break, was fortunate to be only one goal behind.

Hugo Ekitike was the first to have a go but shot wide four minutes into the second half. But that was as close as the visiting side got, failing to manage a single shot on target.

Liverpool did, however, look bolder after the interval, but ⁠limited compared to PSG, which played keep-ball and tormented them with brutal changes of ⁠pace.

One of them came in the 65th minute when Joao Neves played in a racing Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian danced his way through the ‌area, rounded Mamardashvili and slotted the ball home.

Dembele’s angled shot crashed onto the post and Nuno Mendes fluffed a golden chance in the final minutes as Liverpool preserved a slim hope of overturning the deficit next Tuesday.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#PSG #Liverpool #Salah #left #bench #Liverpool #loses #defending #champion #Champions #League">

PSG vs Liverpool — Salah left on bench as Liverpool loses 0-2 to defending champion in Champions League Defending European champion Paris St Germain was a ‌cut above Liverpool as goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spurred it to an easy 2-0 home win in its Champions ⁠League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday.Doue and Kvaratskhelia struck either side of half-time to give Luis Enrique’s side a solid advantage ahead of next week’s return at Anfield, where PSG booked ‌its place in the last eight last season.Doue opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a superb ‌solo run and finish, but PSG wasted a handful of chances that ‌would ⁠have further strengthened their push for the semifinals.Liverpool, thrashed 4-0 by ⁠Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals at the weekend, set up cautiously with three centre backs and Mohamed Salah on the bench, but struggled to contain a PSG side that mixed patient possession with bursts of attacking intensity.Arne ‌Slot opted for a back three with wings but the defence held for only 11 minutes at the Parc des Princes.Doue picked up the ball on the left side of the box and his curled shot towards the opposite ‌top corner took a slight deflection off Ryan Gravenberch and went out of Giorgi Mamardashvili’s reach.Liverpool was hanging on for dear life, picking up two yellow cards in three minutes, and barely threatened.ZERO SHOTS ⁠ON TARGET FOR LIVERPOOLAs the visitor’s defence scrambled a clearance, Kvaratskhelia fired a half-volley that forced Mamardashvili to fully stretch. The ‘keeper then denied Doue from point-blank ‌range, preserving Liverpool’s deficit to a minimum.Next, Ousmane Dembele missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage when he shot straight at the ‘keeper at the end of a sharp transition.Liverpool, which did not manage a single shot before the break, was fortunate to be only one goal behind.Hugo Ekitike was the first to have a go but shot wide four minutes into the second half. But that was as close as the visiting side got, failing to manage a single shot on target.Liverpool did, however, look bolder after the interval, but ⁠limited compared to PSG, which played keep-ball and tormented them with brutal changes of ⁠pace.One of them came in the 65th minute when Joao Neves played in a racing Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian danced his way through the ‌area, rounded Mamardashvili and slotted the ball home.Dembele’s angled shot crashed onto the post and Nuno Mendes fluffed a golden chance in the final minutes as Liverpool preserved a slim hope of overturning the deficit next Tuesday.Published on Apr 09, 2026 #PSG #Liverpool #Salah #left #bench #Liverpool #loses #defending #champion #Champions #League

April 9, 2026

Sports news

Defending European champion Paris St Germain was a ‌cut above Liverpool as goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spurred it to an easy 2-0 home win in its Champions ⁠League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday.
Doue and Kvaratskhelia struck either side of half-time to give Luis Enrique’s side a solid advantage ahead of next week’s return at Anfield, where PSG booked ‌its place in the last eight last season.
Doue opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a superb ‌solo run and finish, but PSG wasted a handful of chances that ‌would ⁠have further strengthened their push for the semifinals.
Liverpool, thrashed 4-0 by ⁠Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals at the weekend, set up cautiously with three centre backs and Mohamed Salah on the bench, but struggled to contain a PSG side that mixed patient possession with bursts of attacking intensity.
Arne ‌Slot opted for a back three with wings but the defence held for only 11 minutes at the Parc des Princes.
Doue picked up the ball on the left side of the box and his curled shot towards the opposite ‌top corner took a slight deflection off Ryan Gravenberch and went out of Giorgi Mamardashvili’s reach.
Liverpool was hanging on for dear life, picking up two yellow cards in three minutes, and barely threatened.
ZERO SHOTS ⁠ON TARGET FOR LIVERPOOL
As the visitor’s defence scrambled a clearance, Kvaratskhelia fired a half-volley that forced Mamardashvili to fully stretch. The ‘keeper then denied Doue from point-blank ‌range, preserving Liverpool’s deficit to a minimum.
Next, Ousmane Dembele missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage when he shot straight at the ‘keeper at the end of a sharp transition.
Liverpool, which did not manage a single shot before the break, was fortunate to be only one goal behind.
Hugo Ekitike was the first to have a go but shot wide four minutes into the second half. But that was as close as the visiting side got, failing to manage a single shot on target.
Liverpool did, however, look bolder after the interval, but ⁠limited compared to PSG, which played keep-ball and tormented them with brutal changes of ⁠pace.
One of them came in the 65th minute when Joao Neves played in a racing Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian danced his way through the ‌area, rounded Mamardashvili and slotted the ball home.
Dembele’s angled shot crashed onto the post and Nuno Mendes fluffed a golden chance in the final minutes as Liverpool preserved a slim hope of overturning the deficit next Tuesday.
Published on Apr 09, 2026

#PSG #Liverpool #Salah #left #bench #Liverpool #loses #defending #champion #Champions #League">PSG vs Liverpool — Salah left on bench as Liverpool loses 0-2 to defending champion in Champions League

Defending European champion Paris St Germain was a ‌cut above Liverpool as goals by Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spurred it to an easy 2-0 home win in its Champions ⁠League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday.

Doue and Kvaratskhelia struck either side of half-time to give Luis Enrique’s side a solid advantage ahead of next week’s return at Anfield, where PSG booked ‌its place in the last eight last season.

Doue opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead with a superb ‌solo run and finish, but PSG wasted a handful of chances that ‌would ⁠have further strengthened their push for the semifinals.

Liverpool, thrashed 4-0 by ⁠Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals at the weekend, set up cautiously with three centre backs and Mohamed Salah on the bench, but struggled to contain a PSG side that mixed patient possession with bursts of attacking intensity.

Arne ‌Slot opted for a back three with wings but the defence held for only 11 minutes at the Parc des Princes.

Doue picked up the ball on the left side of the box and his curled shot towards the opposite ‌top corner took a slight deflection off Ryan Gravenberch and went out of Giorgi Mamardashvili’s reach.

Liverpool was hanging on for dear life, picking up two yellow cards in three minutes, and barely threatened.

ZERO SHOTS ⁠ON TARGET FOR LIVERPOOL

As the visitor’s defence scrambled a clearance, Kvaratskhelia fired a half-volley that forced Mamardashvili to fully stretch. The ‘keeper then denied Doue from point-blank ‌range, preserving Liverpool’s deficit to a minimum.

Next, Ousmane Dembele missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage when he shot straight at the ‘keeper at the end of a sharp transition.

Liverpool, which did not manage a single shot before the break, was fortunate to be only one goal behind.

Hugo Ekitike was the first to have a go but shot wide four minutes into the second half. But that was as close as the visiting side got, failing to manage a single shot on target.

Liverpool did, however, look bolder after the interval, but ⁠limited compared to PSG, which played keep-ball and tormented them with brutal changes of ⁠pace.

One of them came in the 65th minute when Joao Neves played in a racing Kvaratskhelia and the Georgian danced his way through the ‌area, rounded Mamardashvili and slotted the ball home.

Dembele’s angled shot crashed onto the post and Nuno Mendes fluffed a golden chance in the final minutes as Liverpool preserved a slim hope of overturning the deficit next Tuesday.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#PSG #Liverpool #Salah #left #bench #Liverpool #loses #defending #champion #Champions #League

Defending European champion Paris St Germain was a ‌cut above Liverpool as goals by Desire…

Deadspin | CONCACAF Champions Cup: Tigres grab advantage on Sounders Mar 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the official game ball during the first half in the match between Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Ozziel Herrera capped an impressive team play by scoring the first goal and Tigres UANL earned a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday at San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico, in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series. The two-game, total-goal matchup will conclude on April 15 in Seattle. The victorious team will oppose either Nashville SC or Club America in the semifinals. With the game scoreless in the 51st minute, a long pass sent Tigres off on a counterattack. Tigres’ Fernando Gorriaran got under the ball, and his first touch was wayward, but a lucky bounce sent the ball off a defender and right back to him. Gorriaran dribbled toward the center of the field, then dropped a back-heel pass to Herrera, who chipped a 12-yard shot over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei and into the goal netting on the far side. Tigres doubled the advantage on an own goal off a 76th-minute corner kick. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #CONCACAF #Champions #Cup #Tigres #grab #advantage #Sounders

#Deadspin #CONCACAF #Champions #Cup #Tigres #grab #advantage #Sounders">

April 9, 2026

Sports news

Mar 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the official game ball during the first half in the match between Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Ozziel Herrera capped an impressive team play by scoring the first goal and Tigres UANL earned a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday at San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico, in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series.

The two-game, total-goal matchup will conclude on April 15 in Seattle. The victorious team will oppose either Nashville SC or Club America in the semifinals.

With the game scoreless in the 51st minute, a long pass sent Tigres off on a counterattack. Tigres’ Fernando Gorriaran got under the ball, and his first touch was wayward, but a lucky bounce sent the ball off a defender and right back to him.

Gorriaran dribbled toward the center of the field, then dropped a back-heel pass to Herrera, who chipped a 12-yard shot over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei and into the goal netting on the far side.

Tigres doubled the advantage on an own goal off a 76th-minute corner kick.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #CONCACAF #Champions #Cup #Tigres #grab #advantage #Sounders">Deadspin | CONCACAF Champions Cup: Tigres grab advantage on Sounders

Mar 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the official game ball during the first half in the match between Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Ozziel Herrera capped an impressive team play by scoring the first goal and Tigres UANL earned a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday at San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico, in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series.

The two-game, total-goal matchup will conclude on April 15 in Seattle. The victorious team will oppose either Nashville SC or Club America in the semifinals.

With the game scoreless in the 51st minute, a long pass sent Tigres off on a counterattack. Tigres’ Fernando Gorriaran got under the ball, and his first touch was wayward, but a lucky bounce sent the ball off a defender and right back to him.

Gorriaran dribbled toward the center of the field, then dropped a back-heel pass to Herrera, who chipped a 12-yard shot over Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei and into the goal netting on the far side.

Tigres doubled the advantage on an own goal off a 76th-minute corner kick.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #CONCACAF #Champions #Cup #Tigres #grab #advantage #Sounders

Mar 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the official game ball during…

Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on its Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday as goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s rock-solid defence combined with swift counterattacks ‌paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.

Alvarez brilliantly curled the resulting ⁠free kick from 25 metres into the top corner in first-half stoppage time to silence the sold-out Catalan stadium.

Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar from a free kick soon after half-time but Diego Simeone’s side remained disciplined ‌and doubled its lead in the 70th minute when Matteo Ruggeri crossed from the left and Sorloth volleyed in from close range, sealing a decisive away ‌win that left Barca with a mountain to climb.

The winner of the two-legged tie ‌will ⁠face either Arsenal or Sporting in the last four.

“We’re delighted with the win, ⁠but there’s still a lot of work to be done. The semifinal is still a long way off. We need to stay calm and confident, but keep our feet on the ground,” Antoine Griezmann told Movistar Plus.

With captain Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong absent, Barca ‌manager Hansi Flick handed Rashford a start. Pairing the former Manchester United forward with Robert Lewandowski and teenage winger Lamine Yamal, Rashford was lively down the left, constantly stretching the Atletico defence.

He volleyed narrowly wide in the 13th minute and thought he had given Barca ‌the lead five minutes later, turning in Yamal’s low cross at the far post, but the celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled Yamal offside in the build-up.

Atletico was content to sit deep in a five-man defensive line, conceding ⁠possession but few clear chances. Yamal and Rashford probed persistently, targeting Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina out wide, though space in the final third was at a premium.

Simeone’s side remained dangerous on the ‌break, with Alvarez and Ademola Lookman both wasting promising openings.

At the other end, Rashford forced a smart save from stand-in goalkeeper Juan Musso in the 29th minute before Yamal weaved past three defenders, only to see his shot blocked at close range.

The match turned late in the first half. In the 42nd minute, referee Istvan Kovacs sent off Cubarsi after a VAR review for hauling down Giuliano Simeone as he raced through on goal, upgrading an initial yellow card ‌to red.

Atletico struck immediately from the resulting free kick, Alvarez curling a superb effort into the top right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joan Garcia to stun the Camp Nou.

Barcelona tried to rally after the break but struggled to break down Atletico, which ⁠stuck rigidly to its disciplined game plan. The visiting side doubled their lead in the 70th minute when ⁠Ruggeri combined with substitute Sorloth to finish clinically.

Atletico comfortably saw out the closing minutes to take a commanding advantage into the return leg.

“We tried, but it wasn’t ‌to be,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar Plus.

“We came out stronger in the second half despite being a man down; we had possession but couldn’t find the net. We’re disappointed with the defeat, but I think we can turn it around.”

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Barcelona #Atletico #Madrid #Simeones #army #storms #Camp #Nou #win #Champions #League">

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid — Simeone’s army storms Camp Nou with 2-0 win in Champions League Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on its Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday as goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou.Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s rock-solid defence combined with swift counterattacks ‌paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.Alvarez brilliantly curled the resulting ⁠free kick from 25 metres into the top corner in first-half stoppage time to silence the sold-out Catalan stadium.Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar from a free kick soon after half-time but Diego Simeone’s side remained disciplined ‌and doubled its lead in the 70th minute when Matteo Ruggeri crossed from the left and Sorloth volleyed in from close range, sealing a decisive away ‌win that left Barca with a mountain to climb.The winner of the two-legged tie ‌will ⁠face either Arsenal or Sporting in the last four.“We’re delighted with the win, ⁠but there’s still a lot of work to be done. The semifinal is still a long way off. We need to stay calm and confident, but keep our feet on the ground,” Antoine Griezmann told Movistar Plus.With captain Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong absent, Barca ‌manager Hansi Flick handed Rashford a start. Pairing the former Manchester United forward with Robert Lewandowski and teenage winger Lamine Yamal, Rashford was lively down the left, constantly stretching the Atletico defence.He volleyed narrowly wide in the 13th minute and thought he had given Barca ‌the lead five minutes later, turning in Yamal’s low cross at the far post, but the celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled Yamal offside in the build-up.Atletico was content to sit deep in a five-man defensive line, conceding ⁠possession but few clear chances. Yamal and Rashford probed persistently, targeting Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina out wide, though space in the final third was at a premium.Simeone’s side remained dangerous on the ‌break, with Alvarez and Ademola Lookman both wasting promising openings.At the other end, Rashford forced a smart save from stand-in goalkeeper Juan Musso in the 29th minute before Yamal weaved past three defenders, only to see his shot blocked at close range.The match turned late in the first half. In the 42nd minute, referee Istvan Kovacs sent off Cubarsi after a VAR review for hauling down Giuliano Simeone as he raced through on goal, upgrading an initial yellow card ‌to red.Atletico struck immediately from the resulting free kick, Alvarez curling a superb effort into the top right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joan Garcia to stun the Camp Nou.Barcelona tried to rally after the break but struggled to break down Atletico, which ⁠stuck rigidly to its disciplined game plan. The visiting side doubled their lead in the 70th minute when ⁠Ruggeri combined with substitute Sorloth to finish clinically.Atletico comfortably saw out the closing minutes to take a commanding advantage into the return leg.“We tried, but it wasn’t ‌to be,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar Plus.“We came out stronger in the second half despite being a man down; we had possession but couldn’t find the net. We’re disappointed with the defeat, but I think we can turn it around.”Published on Apr 09, 2026 #Barcelona #Atletico #Madrid #Simeones #army #storms #Camp #Nou #win #Champions #League

April 9, 2026

Sports news

Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on its Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday as goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s rock-solid defence combined with swift counterattacks ‌paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.
Alvarez brilliantly curled the resulting ⁠free kick from 25 metres into the top corner in first-half stoppage time to silence the sold-out Catalan stadium.
Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar from a free kick soon after half-time but Diego Simeone’s side remained disciplined ‌and doubled its lead in the 70th minute when Matteo Ruggeri crossed from the left and Sorloth volleyed in from close range, sealing a decisive away ‌win that left Barca with a mountain to climb.
The winner of the two-legged tie ‌will ⁠face either Arsenal or Sporting in the last four.
“We’re delighted with the win, ⁠but there’s still a lot of work to be done. The semifinal is still a long way off. We need to stay calm and confident, but keep our feet on the ground,” Antoine Griezmann told Movistar Plus.
With captain Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong absent, Barca ‌manager Hansi Flick handed Rashford a start. Pairing the former Manchester United forward with Robert Lewandowski and teenage winger Lamine Yamal, Rashford was lively down the left, constantly stretching the Atletico defence.
He volleyed narrowly wide in the 13th minute and thought he had given Barca ‌the lead five minutes later, turning in Yamal’s low cross at the far post, but the celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled Yamal offside in the build-up.
Atletico was content to sit deep in a five-man defensive line, conceding ⁠possession but few clear chances. Yamal and Rashford probed persistently, targeting Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina out wide, though space in the final third was at a premium.
Simeone’s side remained dangerous on the ‌break, with Alvarez and Ademola Lookman both wasting promising openings.
At the other end, Rashford forced a smart save from stand-in goalkeeper Juan Musso in the 29th minute before Yamal weaved past three defenders, only to see his shot blocked at close range.
The match turned late in the first half. In the 42nd minute, referee Istvan Kovacs sent off Cubarsi after a VAR review for hauling down Giuliano Simeone as he raced through on goal, upgrading an initial yellow card ‌to red.
Atletico struck immediately from the resulting free kick, Alvarez curling a superb effort into the top right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joan Garcia to stun the Camp Nou.
Barcelona tried to rally after the break but struggled to break down Atletico, which ⁠stuck rigidly to its disciplined game plan. The visiting side doubled their lead in the 70th minute when ⁠Ruggeri combined with substitute Sorloth to finish clinically.
Atletico comfortably saw out the closing minutes to take a commanding advantage into the return leg.
“We tried, but it wasn’t ‌to be,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar Plus.
“We came out stronger in the second half despite being a man down; we had possession but couldn’t find the net. We’re disappointed with the defeat, but I think we can turn it around.”
Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Barcelona #Atletico #Madrid #Simeones #army #storms #Camp #Nou #win #Champions #League">Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid — Simeone’s army storms Camp Nou with 2-0 win in Champions League