Diego Simeone (foto: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at Camp Nou, ending a 25-match winless run and taking a strong advantage into the Champions League return leg.
Atletico Madrid did not dominate against Barcelona, but they did enough to secure a 2-0 victory and take control of the tie ahead of the return leg at the Metropolitano.
The result carries historic weight, as Atletico had not beaten Barcelona at the Camp Nou since 2006, a run that stretched across 25 matches.
It was also the first time Atletico Madrid defeated a team from Spain away from home in the Champions League.
Simeone writes new chapter
Diego Simeone has now faced Barcelona 45 times as Atletico coach.
The win marks his eighth victory against the Catalan side and his third in the Champions League, but notably his first ever at the Camp Nou.
The key question now is whether this advantage will be enough to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Recent history and what comes next
The two teams had already met just days earlier in La Liga, where Barcelona won 2-1.
Before the return leg, Atletico will travel to face Sevilla, who are struggling for results and fighting to avoid relegation.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will play a city derby at home against Espanyol.
Simeone’s long reign
Simeone has been in charge of Atletico Madrid since 2011.
He has now led the club in 788 matches across all competitions, recording 465 victories.