A perfect night for Arsenal. They are up and about from the word go. However, Real Madrid did show some glimpses of their best in the first half. 

But in the second half, Arsenal dominated Real Madrid like a minnow team from smaller leagues. 

Declan Rice, with two stunning free-kicks, has now become the first player to score multiple free-kicks in a single UCL knockout game.

Mikel Merino also scored a beautiful goal to give Arsenal the important cushion they were looking for. 

Camavinga received a red during the fag end of the match and he will miss the second leg. 

But is it all over? When the team is Real Madrid, the game is not over until it's over. 

Arsenal will head to Berenbeau as favourites, but don't count out Real Madrid yet.

And, yes, Arsenal are still unbeaten against Real Madrid in UCL.

This was Koushik Biswas, bringing you all the updates of the match. I hope you enjoyed the coverage. Good night and see you in the next game.

Arsenal's #UCL record at the Emirates since 23/24 (inside 90 mins):

◉ 11 matches
◉ 29 goals
◉ 4 goals conceded
◉ 9 clean sheets
◉ 9 wins
◉ 0 defeats

Defending champions swept aside. 🧹 pic.twitter.com/J82l5xbUc6

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 8, 2025

🚨Full time | Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

A special night for Declan Rice and Arsenal!

Declan Rice's brace and Mikel Merino's brace help Arsenal have a 3-0 lead in the first leg against Real Madrid. #ARSRMA #Arsenal #RealMadrid #UCL #ArsenalvsRealMadrid #DeclanRice pic.twitter.com/Gz5hOPAYd6

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 8, 2025

That's the second yellow card for Camavinga. He gets the red. 

Yellow card for Trossard.

In: Ben White

Out: Timber

4 minutes added as injury time.

🤯 Mikel Merino has scored more goals against Real Madrid than any other club in his career pic.twitter.com/PNbhlRP5il

— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) April 8, 2025

Declan Rice direct free-kicks scored in his career to date (matches with full data coverage):

◎ 0 - First 381 matches
◉ 2 - Inside 12 minutes vs Real Madrid tonight#UCL pic.twitter.com/icrJEHaeQ0

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 8, 2025

In: Brahim

Out: Rodrygo

In: Tierney

Out: Rice

In: Garcia

Out: Alaba

Arsenal are cooking now!

Mikel Merino sends in another side-footed curling shot from just the edge of the box, and Arsenal are cruising now. 

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

In: Trossard

Out: Saka

Yellow card for Camavinga. He will miss the second leg.

In: Vazquez

Out: Modric

HE DOES IT FOR THE SECOND TIME. 

Is it David Beckham in disguise? 

Declan Rice hits the top corner with another stunning, curling free-kick, and Arsenal extends their lead.

Arsenal 2-0 Real Madrid 

Incredible defending and save from Coutois. 

He first saved the shot from Martenelli, and David Alaba blocked the rebound shot. Merino then made another save from the second rebound ball. 

Arsenal should have scored here. 

Just about enough from Asencio to stop Rice from scoring his second. Partey with the through ball inside the box. 

Scoring a curling free-kick with Roberto Carlos in the crowd against Real Madrid.

Declan Rice won't be forgetting that one 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Pq3wu9rRMW

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2025

BEND IT LIKE WHO??#ChampionsLeague #UCL #ARSRMA pic.twitter.com/y0XlXnJyqO

— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) April 8, 2025

Woooooowwwwwwwww!

Whaaaatttttttt a goooaaaallll!

It had to be a stunner to beat Courtois, and Declan Rice provided that. 

A curling free-kick from that Alaba foul. The ball came inside from outside the goal and defeated a fully stretched Courtois. 

Arsenal 1-0 Real Madrid

Saka received the ball on the left and kept on drifting inside before a frustrated Alaba fouled him. 

Yellow card for Partey for a foul on Camavinga. Not sure if he knows anything about the collision. 

Jude Bellingham with another clever pass to find Mbappe inside the box.

But after a poor first touch, Mbappe made it tougher for himself to find the angle from left.

His effort hit the side net. 

Dua Lipa is at the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal UCL match 🌟 pic.twitter.com/ff4jDdgqbP

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 8, 2025

Arsenal start the second half. 

No changes from either teams

21 - Thibaut Courtois has saved 21 of the last 26 shots on target he has faced in the Champions League, including the last 10 (7 vs Atlético de Madrid and 3 vs Arsenal). Giant. pic.twitter.com/1SzTFnRuIg

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 8, 2025

It is goalless at the end of the first half. 

But, the game was fascinating with Real Madrid and Arsenal looking threatening throughout the 45 minutes. 

Saka created a few chances for Arsenal, while Courtois made a few great saves. Mbappe had the best chance of the game so far but could not latch on.

Surely goals are coming in the second half. 

Stay tuned. 

2 minutes added as injury time in the first half.

Courtois keeps it level. 

He first saved Declan Rice's header from close range and then saved the rebound shot from Marteneli. 

Saka again got the better off Alaba and set another cross from right. 

However, this time, Marteneli was just ahead of the cross from Saka. 

Wooooowww..what a chance for Arsenal.

What a ball from Saka!

From the right, he was able to find the gap and send in a perfect cross for anyone from his team to tap in. 

Rice was not that far. But, a missed chance for the home side. 

ARSENAL CLOSE!! Brilliant from Saka no Arsenal player was ready to pounce!#ChampionsLeague #UCL #ARSRMA pic.twitter.com/BRohZNRrLf

— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) April 8, 2025

Martin Odegard, who burst onto the scene as a Real Madrid wonderkid, is now leading Arsenal against Real Madrid.

That was a fabulous ball from Jude Bellingham. He found Kylian Mbappe making a quick run, alone, inside the box. 

However, Mbappe was not threatening enough to beat Raya. 

Nearly for Kylian Mbappe. A dangerous ball from Vini, found Mbappe making a run inside the box. 

Countered by Timber and Partey, Mbappe went for a shot.

The shot went over the goal. However, Mbappe was already offside leading to the play. 

Vinicius Jr, again from the left, went for a right-footed shot. 

The curling shot did not curl enough to be on target. 

During the earlier play, Rice's shot was blocked by Asencio. The block did hit the hand. A VAR check was done. But, no penalty was given.

Martenelli made a good run on the left and his cross found Rice making an effort with a side volley. 

Ascencio blocked Rice's shot. 

Partey tried his luck in the rebound, but Courtois saved his shot.

The atmosphere is just electric. 

Arsenal are having the upper hand with nearly five attacks already. In the meantime, Real Madrid looked threatening with counterattacks. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly (18Y 194D) is the second youngest Englishman to start a Champions League quarter-final after Jude Bellingham vs. Man City in 2021 (17Y 281D).

And they both share the pitch together at the Emirates this evening. 🏟️#UCL pic.twitter.com/PWch0Fw5gs

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 8, 2025

Vinicius Jr., from the left tries an ambitious shot. However, his shot went over the goal.

3 - Luka Modrić 🇭🇷 is the third-oldest outfield player to start in a UCL quarter-final (39y 211d), after Ryan Giggs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 in 2014 v Bayern Munich (40y 123d) and Alessandro Costacurta 🇮🇹 in 2006 v Lyon (39y 339d). Eternal. pic.twitter.com/L7RwU8G8mA

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 8, 2025

Kylian Mbappé had to catch up with Thierry Henry ahead of Arsenal-Real Madrid 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/gOxkVu3PLa

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 8, 2025

Nearly own goal from Camavinga. Corner for Arsenal. 

A mistake from Saka led Vinicius Jr. to run away with the ball. Vinicius' effort, deflected away off Saliba, went straight to Raya. 

Easy save from Raya as Mbappe made an effort from outside the box.

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️

🧱 Kiwior partners Saliba
⚓️ Rice in the middle
🔙 Saka returns to the starting XI

Let's make it happen, Gunners 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025

📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
🆚 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/qIsTYbaDS1

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 8, 2025

Vinicius Jr. will miss the second leg of the fixture, if he gets a yellow card tonight vs Arsenal. 

Thibaut Courtois will be back after missing the last three games due to a knee injury. Lunin is injured, by the way.

Raheem Sterling is suspended for this match after picking up three yellow cards.

Theirry Henry scored the only goal in meetings between these two clubs in UEFA Champions League. Henry scored in the first leg of round of 16 meet in 2005/06 Champions League, while the second leg was a goalless draw.

Arsenal won: 1

Real Madrid won: 0

Draws: 1

Football fans from India can watch the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25 Quarter-final first-leg match on Sony Sports Network Channel. 

Moreover, they can watch the match LIVE on Sony LIV app and website as well.

Match: Arsenal vs Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-Final First Leg

Date: 9 April 2025

Time: 12:30 AM IST

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

It was eventually a boring, actionless Manchester Derby where both teams could have been better. City lacked the depth in their attacking front, while United could not take the chances in the second half. 

Zirkzee tried his best to do some damage in the second half, while Bruno was the best player on the field and won the Player of the Match award as well. 

But, in the end, both teams looked like the Premier League is done for them, and they now need to end the season as quickly as possible. 

This was Koushik Biswas with the real-time updates for you. I hope you enjoyed the coverage. 

Thank you. See you in the next match.

A goalless Manchester Derby!

Both Manchester City and Manchester United could not find the back of the net in a timid derby at Old Trafford. #MUNMCI #ManchesterUnited #ManchesterDerby #ManchesterCity pic.twitter.com/mimlBSmQLa

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 6, 2025

Dias makes a block with a header as Dorgu tried to chop the ball from left. 

City need the win to stay relevant in race to Champions League qualification. 

4 minutes aded as injury time.

Dias with a block with deny Zrikzee the goal. 

United looking like the better side. 

Into the final 🔟 pic.twitter.com/CVq61J6jtV

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 6, 2025

Yoro gets the yellow for pulling down Marmoush

Shots from the second half 📸#MUFC || #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/j4Fcq5OTY6

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 6, 2025

Great run and effort from the Argentine. 

His shot got a defelction and went for a corner. 

Top-class save from Ederson.

Dorgu, with the cross and Zrikzee went for a quick turning volley. But Ederson made a great save to deny him.

Mount went for qa uick rebound shot, but Lewis blocked it with his body.

This manchester derby pic.twitter.com/vVbGhMPCz8

— Joël (@Joellski) April 6, 2025

Yellow card for Mount for a foul on Silva.

Out: Gundogan, O'Rielly

In: Lewis, Grealish

Out: Hojlund, Ugarte

In: Zirkzee, Mount

Nice work from Bruno to get the cross from right. 

Ugarte went for quick volley but missed the target. 

Marmoush with a beautiful and powerful side volley. But, it went straight to Onana. 

Onana, with sun on his face, did well to make the save.

Dalot gets the yellow card for pulling down Doku.

Marmouns with a curling inswinging free-kick and Onana had a good look at it before making a dive to make the save. 

Ruben Dias dived inside the penalty box to block a cross from Dorgu. 

But, it came off his chest. 

Top class from Nunes as Bruno clipped one from the right for Dorgu to head the ball inside the goal.

Nunes came flying and headed the ball away for a corner. 

In: Lindelof 

Out: Maguire

In: Doku

Out: Foden

Ederson first dealt with a deflection from close range and then grabbed a cross from the left by coming out aggressively. 

Easy grab for Onana as Kevin went for a shot from outside the box with his left-foot. 

Huge chance for Foden as Marmoush's missed ball fell nicely for him. 

But after a poor first touch, he allowed Mazaroui to clear that one. 

Yellow card for Beranrdo Silva for a foul on Garnacho. 

City starts things off in second half. 

No goals in the first half. Only one short on target from each team, and we had a timid half at Old Trafford. 

Surely, we will see a few changes from both teams in the second half. 

2 minutes added as injury time. 

Silva caught Bruno with a trailing leg. It looked worthy of a yellow, to be fair. But, the referee decided against it. 

Casemiro made a right-footed effort from close range. But, it went straight to Ederson. 

Gundogan, who is yet to score since returning to Etihad from Barcelona, took a chance with a right-footed shot. 

But, he missed the target. 

Onana could not reach for the corner flying in from the left. But Mazraoui was there head the ball away from danger. 

Garnacho won the ball back for United, and he quickly played it to Bruno. The Portuguese then clipped the ball over for Ugarte to go for a volley. But, he could not make a great connection. 

Bruno Fernandes with a good ball for Dorgu, wide on the left. Though they were expecting a cross from him, Dorgu decided to go for a shot.

Chance for Dorgu to latch on to a cutback from right. 

But as he was getting closed down by Silva, a heavy touch did not help him make a use of the chance. 

Kevin found Foden making a run inside the box via a through ball. 

However, Harry Maguire came running before Foden could make use of that pass from Kevin. 

Huge chance for United. Dalot with a clipped ball from right into the box. 

But, Garnacho could not latch on to that after slipping inside the box. 

One touch and quick turn from Kevin de Bruyne before he went for a left-footed shot. 

However, the Belgian could not find the power he was looking for. 

Easy save for Onana. 

Harry Maguire did well to make a run from the behind to stop Marmoush going for a left-footed effort. Corner for City. 

Phil Foden is down after a tackle from Casemiro. 

Nunes did well in making the run before passing the ball to Foden. Foden first went a bit deep and then took a chance with a left-footed shot. 

His effort went left to the goal. 

Ugarte gave the ball in the mid-field and Foden took the advantage to go closer to the box, before passing it to the right to Kevin, who was found off-side by an inch. 

After facing pressure in the first two minutes of the game, Manchester City now have the ball back and are looking to build up the momentum.

Nearly a penalty for United. Garnacho is brought down by Dias at the edge of the box. 

Yellow card for City defender. 

Kick-off at Old Trafford.

ℹ️ Ruben has explained why @MdeLigt_04 is absent from today’s squad.#MUFC || #MUNMCI

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 6, 2025

Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund are coming in for Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee as Ruben Amorim made two changes to the starting XI that lost against Nottingham Forrest in the last match. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sportz Point Football (@sportzpointfootball)

Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Kevin de Bruyne returned to the starting XI for Manchester City for the Manchester derby, with Champions League qualification on the line.

City: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne (c); Bernardo Silva, Marmoush, Foden. 

Substitutes: Ortega, Khusanov, Lewis, Reis, Gonzalez, Grealish, Doku, McAtee, Savinho. 

United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Hojlund.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Amass, Kukonki, Lindelof, Shaw, Eriksen, Mount, Obi, Zirkzee.

Football fans from India can watch the Manchester Derby live on Star Sports Select HD TV Channel and also can LIVE stream the match on JioHotstar app and website with paid subscription. 

Match: Manchester United vs Manchester City

Tournament: English Premier League 2024-25

Date: 6 April 2025

Time: 9 pm IST

Venue: Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, London.

In the end, Barcelona got what they were looking for. With nearly 11 games to go for them, they climb back to the top of the table with 60 points. 

They are now equal with Real Madrid but they have a far better goal difference to be at the top. 

It was a perfect start for Atletico Madrid with a goal from Julian Alvarez in the first half and from Sorloth in the second half. They crowded the box and defended with the whole team but a team like Barcelona are always tough to the restricted like that. 

Inigo Martinez and Pedri alongside Kounde were superb for Barcelona as they kept the team calm even after going down. 

Lewandowski scored the first one for them with a cool head and Ferran Torres then came from the bench to score the equaliser. 

Lamine Yamal then produced a clutch finish in the added time while Torres scored his second to put an end to the coffin. 

Thank you to everyone who stayed up late for the match. I hope you enjoyed the game and the coverage. This is Koushik Biswas, saying you good night. See you in the next game. 

Cool heads, cold finish 🧊 pic.twitter.com/OUVOH3SYOY

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KHa7j8vilw

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

What happened? #AtletiBarça | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/swZiAdhPH8

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

La Liga Standings

WHAT A COMEBACK!!

Barcelona were trailing by 0-2 till the 72nd minute and then they made a comeback to win the game by 2-4!

Outstanding!

They have now moved to the top of La Liga with 60 points!#AtelticoBarca #AtleticoMadridBarca #AtleticoVsBarca #FCBarcelona #LamineYamal pic.twitter.com/R4WOA11tua

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 16, 2025

Ferran Torres puts an end to the coffin. 

He gets a brace and that will be it for Barcelona. 

Torres fins the back of the net with a right-footed shot from the edge of the box. 

Chance for Atleitco but Barcelona defenders cleared it for a corner. 

As we were saying, there will be late drama. 

Lamine Yamal does it for Barcelona. 

Yamal's left-footed shot got a slight deflection and went straight into the goal. Oblak could not do anything to it. 

He gets a yellow card for taking off his shirt. 

6 minutes of injury time added. 

Enough time for goals. 

Lewandowski let the ball go away to Lewandowski and Sotloth had the chance to shoot with his left foot from the edge of the box. 

But, he slipped and missed the chance. 

Riquelme replaces Griezmann.

OFF: Kounde 

ON: Araujo 

This fixture has seen a few late dramas in the last few seasons. 

Will we see another one?

Meantime, Barcelona are preparing a few subs. 

Another chance for Sorloth to score.

But, he sends it wide. 

Simione us on the ground after the miss. 

Barcelona are back at it. 

Ferran Torres heads the ball inside the goal from an accurate cross from Raphinha. 

ATM 2-2 FCB

There was a handball by Rodrigo de paul before Sorloth's goal.

The VAR did not check it! pic.twitter.com/phujOW5ymM

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 16, 2025

Alexander Sorloth has scored more goals 🆚 Barcelona than against any other opponent in his career 🇳🇴⚽️

Their nemesis 😤 pic.twitter.com/FDrZ9FALeN

— LiveScore (@livescore) March 16, 2025

Lamine Yamal curls one in from the left but it goes straight to the hands of Oblak. 

Easy save. 

Barcelona with a perfect reply. 

Inigo Martinez with a cross. Lewandowski chest trapped the ball down and shot the ball inside the goal with a left-footed volley. 

Goal No. 22 for Lewandowski in La Liga this season.

ATM 2-1 FCB

This is the sixth straight goal for Sorloth against FC Barcelona. Gallagher with the counterattack and cross for Sorloth to tap the ball inside the goal. 

A VAR check was down to check a potential handball on De Paul before the attack. 

But, the goal stays. 

ATM 2-0 FCB

We won't back down. pic.twitter.com/FXSEdpzQgo

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

🔄 Substitutions

→🟢 Eric, Ferran
←🔴 Olmo, Casadó#AtletiBarça pic.twitter.com/Cm8m1VoBxf

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

Barcelona are now trying to outthink Atletico Madrid. 

A quick corner nearly opened a chance for them. But, Le Normand was there to do the job for Atletico Madrid. 

Yellow card for Balde who took it for the team while trying to stop Simione on the byline. 

Barcelona have been trying hard to break in but they are looking so much comfortable in that position where they are defending with everyone.

In: Gallagher, Sorloth

Out: Lino, Julian Alvarez

Popped up ball from Yamal for Lewandowski to head the ball inside the goal. 

However, the ball was too long for him to control. 

Atletico are defending with all of their players and Barcelona are finding it hard to go close to Oblak. 

Yamal earlier had the chance to shoot from close range but he decided to pass it to Dani Olmo. 

The pass was not accurate though. 

Le Normand stopped a counterattack from Barcelona as he fouled and brought down Lewandowski in the middle. 

Raphinha with a cross and Lewandowski could not be at the end of it as Barcelona won another corner. 

Again Atletico Madrid nearly made Barcelona pay off in the counterattack. 

Julian Alvarez was running away with the ball and once was in front of Kounde. 

But, before the Argentine could send the final pass, Kounde intercepted and cleared it out for a corner. 

Dani Omo tapped the ball down for Lamine Yamal to take the ball inside the box. But his effort with the left foot missed the goal by a metre. 

Cubarsi with a threading pass to find Pedri inside the box. 

But the midfielder was marked down well and it was also too long for him. 

Good start to the second half for them as Pedri wins and sends the corner for Baarcelona. 

No changes from either team as we come from the break. 

Barcelona start the second half. 

70000 present at the ground would be delighted to see their team leave the field with a 1-0 goal lead. 

Barcelona had the possession but Atletico defended well to give themselves a chance to score with a counterattack. 

Julian Alvarez, the goal scorer for Atletico Madrid. 

Atletico Madrid breaks the deadlock. 

A long ball from Oblak initiated the attack and Griezmann's cross found Simione on the right. 

Simeone's cutback found Julian Alvarez in the middle and the Argentine striker side-footed the ball past Szczęsny for the first goal of the night. 

ATM 1-0 FCB

This is the best chance of the match so far. 

Pedri with a solid pass for Lewandowski. 

But, Lewandowski made it tough for himself after a poor first touch. 

He sends it over the crossbar. 

Atletico Madrid have been able to mark Lewandowski down. 

Raphinha's threaded pass from the Polish striker could have created a chance for Barcelona. 

But the defensive line has marked him down so well that he did not have enough space to work with that ball. 

Yamal is brought down by Lino, again. No card though for the Atletico Madrid player. 

Yamal has been targeted by Atletico Madrid so far in the match. 

Yellow card for Mandava for a foul on Lamine Yamal, who was trying to make a quick run on the right flank. 

🐐 Oblak equals Tomás Reñones as the third Atleti player with the most official games played in the history of our club! pic.twitter.com/9WWvpZLIL0

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 16, 2025

💚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖̧𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗖̧𝗔 💚 pic.twitter.com/A5HnXsAnU0

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

Good pass from Olmo to find Lewandowski at the tip of the box. 

But, after a poor first touch, Lewandowski lost the ball to Le Normand. 

Raphinha did not go at the goal directly but popped the ball up for Pedri to head the ball into the goal. 

But, the Spaniard could not control the areal ball and fell down on the ground. 

Even before the free-kick is taken, Simeone goes down after a slight touch from Kounde. 

Olmo wins a foul for Barcelona and they now have a free-kick from the edge of the box. 

Chance for the Catalan club. 

Atletico have been able to find space on the left as Lino and Julian Alvarez made a few entries in the final third. 

But, Kounde and Cubarsi have been up to the task as well,

Yellow card for Kounde as he came running from behind to tackle Mandava. 

Despite being in great form, Raphinha has not scored against Atletico Madrid. 

This time his cross from left goes straight to Oblak. 

Griezmann caught Casado again as the youngster went for a shot. 

Top class save from Szczęsny as Alvarez was one-on-one against him inside the box. 

However, the Argentine was offside while accepting the pass. 

Cubarsi blocks a shot from Lino. 

This is the second time Casado was struck on his leg. 

This time he blocked a cross from Lino.

Another corner for Atletico. Julian Alvaraz takes it. 

Brave decision from Szczęsny to come out early to clear out a threading pass from Julian Alvarez. 

It could have been a chance for Atletico. But, Szczęsny was sharp to stop that. 

For the first time, Julian Alvarez was able to drift away from the Barcelona defenders on the left. 

Casado tried to tackle him and gave away the corner. 

Kounde's with a lobbed ball from the edge of the box and Lewandowski jumped high enough to beat the defenders.

However, he could not find the power and direction to beat Oblak there. 

Easy grab for Oblak. 

Barcelona have been able to keep possession of the ball and make a quick transition from left to right as well. 

Balde's cut back this time allowed Kounde to take a chance with a right-footed shot. 

But, Llorente made a good block 

Reinildo Mandava has been able to make a few runs on the left. But, Kounde has been exceptional as well down there. 

This time Mandava's run allowed De Paul to take a chance with a shot from outside of the box. 

But, just like his teammates, he was far away from the target. 

Yamal this time was able to make a quick cutback and then went for a shot from the right. 

He missed the far post by a whisker with a curling shot. 

Nearly a perfect start for Barcelona. 

Lamine Yamal grazes the outside of the post!#AtletiBarça | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/pLDdWdeMgK

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

Lamine Yamal tried to make a quick entry from the right. But, Reinildo Mandava got the better of him. 

Simeone after receiving a long ball from the mid-field, went for the long shot from outside of the box. 

He was far away from the target. 

Atletico Madrid kicks things off. 

They are in their retro red and white jersey.

Barcelona are their third away green kit. 

Both teams click a picture with the "VS RACISM" poster that La Liga promoted to promote anti-racism. 

Two sides are coming out to the middle for the anthem and handshakes. 

Atletico Madrid fans are chanting their anthem. 

Nothing louder than our presence 🔥 #AtletiBarça pic.twitter.com/BvTR0RpzY0

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 16, 2025

⏳🤟 pic.twitter.com/L4P9ur3MtK

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 16, 2025

Le Normand and Samu Lino returned to the playing XI for Diego Simeone's side. 

Pau Cubarsi returned to the starting XI after getting suspended in the Champions League first leg against Benfica. Marc Casado also returned to the midfield for Hansi Flick's team.

Starting XI: J. Oblak (c), M. Llorente, R. Le Normand, C. Lenglet, R. Mandava, G. Simeone, R. de Paul, P. Barrios, S. Lino, A. Griezmann, J. Álvarez.

Subs: Antonio Gomis, Juan Musso, José María Giménez, Nahuel Molina, Axel Witsel, César Azpilicueta, Javi Galán, Thomas Lemar, Rodrigo Riquelme, Conor Gallagher, Alexander Sørloth.

Starting XI: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, Balde, Iñigo Martínez, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Casadó, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Koundé.

Subs: Gavi, R. Araujo, Ferran, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Fermín, Pau Víctor, F. De Jong, Eric, Kochen, H. Fort, Gerard Martín.

"The team seems really focused. We are looking forward to the game and it will be tough, but we are ready for it:" Hansi Flick

📋 La 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 para el Atleti-Barça. pic.twitter.com/t96S4NMSw9

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) March 15, 2025

Cubarsí, Balde, R. Araujo, I. Martinez, Gavi, Ferran, ⁠Pedri, ⁠Lewandowski, Raphinha, Iñaki Peña, ⁠Pablo Torre, Fermín, M. Casadó, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, ⁠F. De Jong, Kounde, Eric, Szczęsny, Kochen, H. Fort, and Gerard Martín

Feb 25, 2025: Barcelona 4-4 Atletico (Copa del Rey Semi-Finals)
Dec 21, 2024: Barcelona 1-2 Atletico (La Liga)
Apr 17, 2024: Atletico 0-3 Barcelona (La Liga)
Dec 03, 2023: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico (La Liga)
Apr 23, 2023: Barcelona 1-0 Atletico (La Liga)
Jan 08, 2023: Atletico 0-1 Barcelona (La Liga)
Feb 06, 2022: Barcelona 4-2 Atletico (La Liga)
Oct 02, 2021: Atletico 2-0 Barcelona (La Liga)
May 08, 2021: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico (La Liga)
Nov 21, 2020: Atletico 1-0 Barcelona (La Liga)

Football fans from India can watch the Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona LaLiga 2024 - 25 match LIVE on GXR App and Website. Unfortunately, there are no television streamings for the match.

Match: Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona, LaLiga 2024 - 25

Date: 17 March. 2025

Time: 1.30 am IST

Venue: Metropolitano