Atletico Madrid have taken a commanding lead of their Champions League quarter-final tie towards Barcelona, with the winner to face both Arsenal or Sporting CP within the semis.
Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos
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Barcelona have been believed to be the favourites forward of their Champions League quarter-final tie towards Atletico Madrid, having received three of their earlier 4 conferences this season.
However their hopes of development to the semis took a serious hit as they suffered a 2-0 residence defeat to aspect on Wednesday.
The sport didn’t begin out too badly for Barcelona, and it regarded like only a matter of time till they’d take the lead. Nevertheless it all fell aside within the forty fourth minute, as was despatched off and scored from the next free-kick.
Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos
Regardless of happening to 10, Barcelona saved pushing for an equaliser within the second half. However a uncommon foray ahead for the away aspect led to Alexander Sorloth making it 2-0 within the seventieth minute.
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Barcelona now face an enormous job within the second leg, 2-0 down, enjoying away from residence, with Cubarsi serving a suspension and Raphinha nonetheless absent by way of damage.
It’s actually not not possible that Barcelona might come again, they usually’ve overturned worse deficits within the Champions League earlier than. However that is precisely how Atletico would have needed the tie to go.
Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos
Arsenal want to complete off their very own quarter-final tie towards Sporting CP earlier than they will begin eager about the semis, however they’ve a minimum of already confronted Atletico as soon as this season.
The Gunners dominated Simeone’s aspect 4-0 within the League Part, whereas they haven’t confronted Barcelona in a aggressive sport for greater than 10 years, so the previous aspect are extra of a recognized amount.
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But many followers may need stated the identical about Paris Saint-Germain final season, with Arsenal profitable 2-0 towards the French aspect within the League Part solely to be eradicated by them within the knockouts.
Whatever the opponent, Arsenal will face a tricky semi-final in the event that they’re capable of get rid of Sporting.
On the opposite aspect of the bracket, Paris Saint-Germain have a 2-0 lead over Liverpool forward of a visit to Anfield, and Bayern Munich are taking a 2-1 lead over Actual Madrid again to the Allianz Area.