Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on their Champions League quarter-final 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 counter-attacks paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.
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Paris Saint Germain were crowned kings of Europe for the first time with a thumping 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in Munich. Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue struck inside the opening 20 minutes to reward a dominant start as PSG became only the second French side to win the trophy after Marseille in 1993. Inter were unable to get a foothold in the game as the Parisians turned on the style in the second half to record a resounding win.
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Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris Saint Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield. PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround with the Parisians holding their nerve from 12 yards.
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Manchester City’s Champions League campaign came to a tame conclusion at the Bernabeu as Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat-trick inspired holders Real Madrid to a comfortable victory and place in the last 16. Pep Guardiola’s side were attempting to reverse a 3-2 deficit from the play-off first leg but this contest was effectively over after four minutes when Mbappe opened the scoring. Nico Gonzalez would score a consolation goal for the visitors but it was too little too late.
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Arsenal’s unbeaten run in this season’s Champions League was brought to an end by a controversial first-half penalty as Inter Milan won at the San Siro. The hosts were awarded a spot-kick seconds before the break when Mikel Merino was deemed to have handled the ball, although there was little he could do to move out of the way of Mehdi Taremi’s flick on.
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