Nobody on the Barcelona side of the divide looked as disappointed as Lamine Yamal on Wednesday night, after Atletico Madrid secured a vital 2-0 victory at Camp Nou. It leaves the Blaugrana with a major uphill task against Los Colchoneros for the second leg next week at the Metropolitano.

Diego Simeone broke his duck at Camp Nou, winning his first game away to Barcelona at the 19th attempt. The Blaugrana will now have to break another record in order to make to the Champions League semi-finals. No side has beaten Atletico at home in a Champions League knockout tie.

Thierry Henry: “Lamine Yamal is frustrated. He delivered a fantastic match from start to finish, defensively and offensively. It’s incredible. As I said yesterday, he’s only 18 years old. For me, he’s doing phenomenal work. We must support him, that’s the most important… pic.twitter.com/jXxDrPKdwP

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 9, 2026

Lamine Yamal sends defiant message

After being comforted by Dani Olmo following the final whistle, Lamine Yamal spent some time on his haunches, surveying the scene at Camp Nou. He was praised for his efforts by Hansi Flick after the match too, with the German manager asking for more protection for him.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lamine Yamal posted a picture of himself at the end of the game with the following message.

This isn’t over, culers, We’ll give everything in the return. All together, always

View this post on Instagram

Gavi: We deserved much more

One of the bright spots for the Blaugrana was Gavi, who played the entire second half and looked up to the task. It was the longest he has played since August, after missing seven months of action.

We deserved much more yesterday, but that’s football… there’s still the second leg, let’s all work together!!

View this post on Instagram

Gavi could be set for a role in Barcelona’s midfield this weekend against Espanyol. With Frenkie de Jong still recovering from injury, and Pedri Gonzalez taken off as a precaution at the break against Atletico, Flick is down to the bare bones. Pedri and Marc Casado are the only natural alternatives for the derby, although Eric Garcia has been operating in midfield too.

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Barcelona lamented their defeat to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, falling 2-0 at Camp Nou. It’s a result that leaves the Blaugrana with a huge task next week at the Metropolitano. However there is some good news coming out of Can Barca.

Manager Hansi Flick was incensed by the decision not to give a penalty after Marc Pubill stopped the ball with his hand in the Atletico Madrid box, in his mind to take a goal-kick. The game turned on a free-kick given away by Pau Cubarsi, who brought down Giuliano Simeone. He was subsequently sent off, and Julian Alvarez converted the free-kick in emphatic fashion.

Pedri González was replaced with hamstring discomfort last night. He will undergo tests to see if he can play vs. Espanyol. [@jbatalla7] pic.twitter.com/UJek4FAp01

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 9, 2026

Pedri escapes injury after substitution

More concern followed, after Barcelona returned to the pitch without Pedri. The Canary Islander cut a glum figure on the bench after being replaced by Gavi. It was confirmed by Flick that this was due to muscle discomfort that Pedri felt during the game, and the Blaugrana preferred to avoid any risks. The positive news for Barcelona is that Pedri has avoided injury, as explained by Jijantes, and although he was due to undergo tests on Thursday, the club have decided that it was not necessary, with any further problems ruled out.

Pequeño susto muscular con Pedri anoche; se optó por el cambio en el descanso para no asumir riesgos. El centrocampista no tiene ninguna lesión ni se le han realizado pruebas médicas esta mañana. pic.twitter.com/M1Kbk99ZnO

— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) April 9, 2026

Positive news in Barcelona midfield

While the loss of Pedri was a major blow, there were also green shoots for Flick in midfield. Dani Olmo put in one of his best performances of the season in a midfield two, partnered by Gavi. The 21-year-old, who only returned from seven months out last month, looked up to the pace of the game, and helped Barcelona apply pressure in the second half. Flick hopes to have Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal back for the second leg, with Pedri

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Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has credited the whistles at the Santiago Bernabeu with their comeback effort against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. Los Blancos fell to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final, but pulled a goal back through Kylian Mbappe in the second half, and were close to levelling late on.

Prior to that, Bayern had dominated much of the game, and were two goals to the good. It provoked an angry reaction from the Bernabeu, and Vinicius Junior was once again a primary target for the whistles from the fans. Arbeloa was asked if he felt they were unfair.

“You already know what I think of Vinicius. What he means to me as a coach, as a Real Madrid fan, and the performance he’s delivering. For me, it would be a privilege, and I hope to play every match I have at the Bernabeu. The whistles are part of the demands of these fans. I see it as normal and natural.”

“Others managers might notice a strange atmosphere. If there’s one thing we’re feeling, it’s the support of our fans. We can’t ask for anything more. If the team showed character and had the chances they did in the second, it was because of how the Bernabeu crowd pushed them. I have no doubt about that. If only you had the fortune of playing at the Bernabeu. All the players feel the same way.”

Militao and Bellingham to return to starting XI against Girona

The clash with Bayern saw Jude Bellingham come off the bench for a third game in a row, while Eder Militao also came in the second half, as they continue comebacks from injury. Arbeloa confirmed they would start against Girona on Friday night, while left-back Ferland Mendy will also make his return from injury.

“Militao and Bellingham will start. Mendy will get some playing time.”

“When Militao is fit, he’s undoubtedly the best in the world. Physically, he’s a dominant player, excellent in one-on-one situations, covers a lot of ground in open play, and has a very powerful aerial game. He also has great ball distribution, a great mentality, character, and leadership. His importance to the team is undeniable. It’s a privilege to have a player like him.”

‘Camavinga is important for me and for the club’

One of the players that has come in for the most criticism over the past week is midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who was criticised by Arbeloa for losing his mark against RCD Mallorca. Two months earlier, Camavinga had given an interview stating that he could be Real Madrid’s organising midfielder.

“It’s good that he’s feeling this way. Every coach asks different things of him. He has a privileged physique, excellent ball control. He has great qualities. I’m happy with his performance. I want him to improve, to understand what we ask of him on the pitch. He will continue to be important in the future.”

“Camavinga has played quite a bit for me. More than in the first part of the season. He started and will start again tomorrow. I consider him important for me and for the club. He has shown many times what kind of player he is and has the confidence of everyone at the club and, of course, the coach.”

Motivating Real Madrid’s players

Another of Arbeloa’s frustrations after Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss against Mallorca was a lack of focus from his players, something Vinicius acknowledged on Tuesday. Arbeloa was asked whether it was difficult to motivate his players.

“No, not at all. I’m not one to go into a tactical breakdown of what we’re looking for here. What’s important is wanting to go out there with a great attitude, a great commitment. The talent is there, and that’s wonderful. But to win games, talent alone isn’t enough. Occasionally, yes, but if we want to be consistent, we need more than just talent.”

“They’re the ones who want to play the most. More than me. Any Real Madrid player, when they don’t win and something like this happens, would want to play the next day. I’ve spoken with many of them and they’re willing, available, and eager to give the fans and ourselves a great game.”

‘It’s not just Mbappe’ – Arbeloa on getting the best out of stars

Following the defeat to Bayern, Arbeloa also mentioned that this was the version of Kylian Mbappe that he wanted to see every day. A comment that was picked up on in the local press.

“It’s not just Mbappe; I want players who want to be Real Madrid players every single day. It’s important to want to be yourself, beyond talent and quality. You can’t play Champions League quarter-finals and highly motivated matches every day; that’s where self-discipline comes in. It goes beyond the talent they possess. We want them to feel they have to shine when they play against Girona tomorrow. That’s what we need. For them to be themselves every day and be willing to give their best. It’s not easy, but that’s what we need. For their motivation to be giving their absolute best.”

Real Madrid face Girona at 21:00 CEST at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday night, seeking to cut Barcelona’s seven-point lead at the top of the table.

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Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has implied that the officiating in Spain is not entirely neutral, referring back to the ongoing ‘Negreira case’ which sees Barcelona accused of sporting corruption. Previously he has referred to it as the biggest scandal in the history of football.

Arbeloa was asked about Barcelona having a vastly different record of red cards in La Liga and in Europe in recent years. The Catalan side were incensed by several decisions during their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

“You all know my opinion about what has happened for so many years and continues to happen. I am not going to change my mind.”

‘We saw what happened last weekend’ – Arbeloa

Asked whether he thought the decisions during their Champions League clash, Arbeloa pushed the conversation to the decision not to send off Gerard Martin during their meeting on Saturday night. The Referees Committee (CTA) later acknowledged that sending Martin off was the correct decision.

“I don’t want to get into that kind of assessment. We’ve already seen what happened last weekend and what continues to happen for many weeks. My opinion is there and I stand by it; it’s what I keep seeing week after week.”

Arbeloa on trust in referees

Arbeloa went on to insinuate that whatever forces are acting in Spain, were also acting in the Champions League, before returning to the topic of Negreira.

“It’s not about trusting or distrusting. It’s what we’re seeing. It happened on Tuesday with the tackle on Mbappe. It’s hard to understand why it wasn’t a red card. It’s even happening with VAR, which seemed like it was going to solve a lot of things.”

“Going back to Spanish football, we’re still waiting for an explanation, and we need to fix it. There are a lot of doubts surrounding all these kinds of decisions. One week VAR intervenes, the next it doesn’t. I try to focus on my job as a coach.”

Barcelona stand accused of sporting corruption after police investigated payments of €7-8m over a period of 17 years to CTA Vice-President Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. The Blaugrana have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, calling it a smear campaign. So far the case is ongoing, with no verdict.

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After their defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Real Madrid see their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. They must win at the Allianz Arena next week to have any chance of progressing from their quarter-final tie, which will be much easier said than done against one of the best teams in Europe.

Goals either side of half time from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane put Bayern on the road to victory, but from a Real Madrid perspective, they were poor goals to lose. The first one was particularly bad, with a couple of errors in the lead-up to the Colombian winger beating Andriy Lunin just before the interval.

In particular, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inability to stop Diaz has been called out by former Manchester United player Roy Keane. Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo (via MD), he took aim at  the Real Madrid defender for “making the same mistake time and time again”.

“Listen, I’m fed up. It’s the same story in every important game. People don’t stop talking about how well he passes the ball, but what about the basics? Defending. At this level, in the Champions League, you can’t switch off like that. It’s a child’s mistake. Let Luis Díaz beat you as if you weren’t there? Please. Keep defending as if he had never played right-back in his life. Important games require great defenders and right now, he’s a long way from being one.”

Could Dani Carvajal start in return leg?

Trent’s defensive frailties have been widely documented for a number of years, so Real Madrid were well aware of them prior to his arrival from Liverpool. It could be a risk for him to start in Bavaria next week, which could open the door for club captain Dani Carvajal to earn a rare appearance in the line-up.

However, the final call will be made by Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been reluctant to count upon Carvajal in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether that continues next week.

The post Real Madrid star panned over costly error against Bayern Munich – “I’m fed up” appeared first on Football España.

Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday, but that only tells half the story. The hosts were left furious with a couple of calls that went against them – most notably, one where they were not awarded a penalty after Marc Pubill handled the ball inside the area.

Martin: VAR has to call the handball

On-field referee Istvan Kovacs and the VAR team agreed that Pubill’s indiscretion did not occur while the ball was in play, much to the fury of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. A number of the players involved in the match have now had their say on the matter, with the first of those being Gerard Martin, as per MD.

“In that action, the goalkeeper plants the ball and plays it. The ball is in play. Obviously, the player stops it with his hand. It may be that the referee does not see it, because the action is a bit silly, but from the VAR that action has to be seen. The ball is in play and he touches it with his hand.”

Musso: Pubill’s action does not change anything

Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso, whose pass to Pubill led to the controversial incident, pushed back against the controversy, as he claimed that nothing should be made of it, as per Marca.

“If we’re going to sum up the game in that play… Let’s talk about the match. Let’s stop f****** with a play where nothing happens. They played a very good game. They are a very good team and they improve us. Pubill’s move does not change anything. If Marc had wanted to take advantage because he has the pressure on him, it could be interpreted differently, but it is not like that. The ball is not in play, the referee has to say so. The referee is in charge.”

Rashford: It’s a clear penalty

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford told CBS Sports Golazo that he saw the matter as a clear infringement, which would have given the Catalans the chance to equalise at 1-1.

“It’s clear, it’s a penalty. It’s happened before, and it’s always been given as a penalty. It’s common sense that it should be a penalty, and you can see that with the reaction of our players but also (Atleti’s) too. I’ve played in a match where it’s happened against us before, so for me, it’s clear.

“Can we complain about this since the decision went against us? The goalkeeper was doing it during the whole match, and on that occasion, (Pubill) touches it with his hand. For me, it’s a penalty.”

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Atletico Madrid were celebrating on Wednesday after a 2-0 victory over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, their first win at the stadium in 20 years. It leaves them in pole position to reach the Champions League semi-finals, which would be a fantastic achievement for Los Colchoneros.

As per Marca, head coach Diego Simeone gave his assessment of how things played out in Barcelona when he spoke to the media post-match.

“We defended in an orderly manner so that they could not progress. We couldn’t have any more chances than we would have liked and the one we were looking for appeared. I’m far from Cubarsí’s action, but the VAR calls the referee. Then there is an incredible goal from Julián. In the second half we looked more for the counter-attack.”

Simeone: Referee and VAR got Pubill incident correct

Barcelona were left furious at not being awarded a penalty in the second following a handball incident involving Marc Pubill, but Simeone believes that the right decision was made by the officiating team.

“If I was far from Giuliano’s play, I was even more so for the other. If (Pubill) and the referee interpreted that the play had not started, it is common sense of the game. Then we can look for all the situations we want.”

Tie not done yet – Simeone

Atleti only need to avoid losing by two or more goals at home to confirm their place in the Champions League semi-finals, but Simeone is clear that the tie is far from over at this stage.

“We are facing a very strong opponent, we have the humility to say that they are very good. We will play with all the enthusiasm, with our people, and with the commitment. I’d rather have the advantage, but after the 4-0 (in Copa del Rey) we saw how they responded at home. We imagine a difficult and complex match.”

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Barcelona were left very frustrated to lose 2-0 to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, which has left their Champions League dreams in tatters. They must now go to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next week and win by at least two goals in order to progress, which will be extremely difficult in the circumstances.

As per Marca, head coach Hansi Flick chose to be upbeat despite the disappointing result for his side.

“They scored two goals and had a lot of quality. The first goal, we have to defend better, we received the red card and then the goal. We lost but we had very good chances. We’re not going to give up. I think we had a lot of options.”

Flick: We should’ve had a penalty and Atleti a red card

Flick had his say on Pau Cubarsi’s red card, as he also highlighted a play that took place nine minutes into the second card. Marc Pubill handled the ball after a goal kick, but VAR chose against getting involved, which he could not believe.

“I don’t know about Cubarsí’s sending off, it could be red or it couldn’t be. I’m not sure if he touches him enough. The ball was behind them. But the situation in which they touch the ball with their hand in the area and I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t come in. It’s normal to make mistakes, but this type of situation, why do we have VAR? It should be a penalty and a second yellow, red.

En España se armó un revuelo gigante por ESTA MANO de Pubill NO SANCIONADA como PENAL para el Barça, después del pase de Musso…

¿Opiniones? pic.twitter.com/ZSQ5GziO3E

— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) April 8, 2026

“The VAR has been quite favoured towards Atletico… he was a German (referee). Thank you Germany. I don’t know what happens in a situation in which a goalkeeper starts to play and the defender stops it with his hand, for me it’s a second yellow and also a penalty. Let’s see if they can explain it to us. I think we gave everything and we weren’t lucky, but we have to look ahead to the next game against Atletico. But we’re positive, we’ll fight.”

Pedri substitution was enforced – Flick

Flick also confirmed that the decision to replace Pedri at half time was an enforced change, with the midfielder having been struggled with an issue during the first half.

“He had some problems. Nothing serious but now we need him and that’s why we have made the decision to take him off the field and introduce Gavi. He has played fantastically, like Olmo.”

Flick delighted by Lamine Yamal performance

Lamine Yamal was the standout performer for Barcelona, and Flick spoke very highly of his number 10. He also asked referees to look after him on the pitch.

“Lamine was disappointed like the others, but he played a fantastic game. He has had one-on-one situations, beating three, four or five players… It’s incredible. He’s doing a fantastic job. You have to support him and not generate noise around the player. He will be one of the best players in history and we have to support and protect him and the referees too because sometimes they are nuances and the referees have to protect him.

“Not only him, that type of player. Mbappé, Vinicius, Lamine, Pedri… People are coming to see those players. Sometimes there is too much aggressiveness and you have to take this into account. In some situations there needs to be interruptions.”

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Barcelona were defeated 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, which has left their progression hopes on the brink of being dashed.

Joan Garcia – 6

Made an important save early on to deny Julian Alvarez, but could do little to stop either of Atleti’s goals.

Jules Kounde – 6

Did not look sharp, which was to be expected since he has only just returned from injury. However, he did manage to keep Ademola Lookman quiet.

Pau Cubarsi – 5.5

Started the match well, but his red card – his role in which was unlucky – has proven to be very costly for Barcelona.

Gerard Martin – 6

Outmuscled too easily by Alexander Sorloth for Atleti’s second goal.

Joao Cancelo – 6.5

Did not have as much success as recent weeks in an attacking sense, but he always provided an option down the left for his teammates to find.

Eric Garcia – 6

Started in midfield, where he did not look comfortable at times, and pushed back to defence in the second half following Cubarsi’s red card.

Pedri – 6.5

Had some good moments and bad moments, but in the end, he lasted only 45 minutes before being replaced by Gavi.

Lamine Yamal – 7.5

Everything Barcelona did came through him. Almost had an assist in the first half, but Marcus Rashford’s effort was adjudged offside. He had a couple of fantastic solo runs that lacked the finishing touch.

Dani Olmo – 6

Preferred to Fermin Lopez from the start, but he could not make much of a difference in attack.

Marcus Rashford – 6.5

Alongside Lamine Yamal, he was by far Barcelona’s biggest threat. Had a couple of shots saved by Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso, and when he did find the back of the net, it was ruled offside.

Robert Lewandowski – 6

Very quiet evening for the veteran striker, whose lack of form and consistency continues to worry Barcelona.

Substitutes

Fermin Lopez – 6

Brought on to add more incisiveness in attack, but he could not make a difference.

Gavi – 6.5

His performance was one of the rare highlights of the evening for Barcelona. His first significant minutes since returning after almost six months out, and he did not look out of place at all.

Ronald Araujo – 6

Brought on at right-back, but didn’t do much.

Ferran Torres – 6

Claimed for a penalty late on, but again, he looked devoid of confidence.

Alejandro Balde – N/A

Back after a month out, he was not involved much during his short time on the pitch.

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Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid

Barcelona are on the brink of being eliminated from this season’s Champions League, as they were defeated by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Spotify Camp Nou.

It was no surprise to see Barcelona get right into their game in the early stages, as they had a number of chances to take the lead. Marcus Rashford was the main beneficiary of these, but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeper from Atleti’s Juan Musso meant they were denied.

These failed efforts proved very costly for Barcelona, as they were reduced to 10 men in the 44th minute. Pau Cubarsi brought down Giuliano Simeone when the Atleti man was through on goal, and despite a yellow card being shown on-field, a VAR check confirmed the dismissal for the 19-year-old defender.

And it would go from bad to worse for the Catalans as from the resulting free-kick, Julian Alvarez found the top corner in spectacular fashion. His effort flew over the wall and out of the reach of Joan Garcia, which silenced the Spotify Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick sought to get his side back on level terms by bringing on Gavi and Fermin Lopez at half time, and despite the man disadvantage, they continued to control proceedings – but again, it was without success. And in the end, they were stung again as Alexander Sorloth volleyed in from Matteo Ruggeri’s cross to double Atleti’s lead on 70 minutes.

Atleti have one foot in Champions League semi-finals

Atleti could not have asked for a better evening, and they will more than fancy their chances of finishing the job at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in six days’ time. As for Barcelona, there were shades of that Paris Saint-Germain tie from two years ago here, and they will find it very difficult to progress from here. However, there is no doubt that they will give it a go next Tuesday.

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