The match was marked by the exclusion of the home defender Cubarsi at the end of the first half, and the fantastic performance of the visiting goalkeeper Musso, who frustrated the attackers of the Catalan team.
The game started very dynamically and openly. Hansi Flick's team went on the offensive from the very start, and Marcus Rashford already had two great chances in the first four minutes, which the in-form Musso managed to stop.
On the other side, Alvarez soon responded, but goalkeeper Garcia was secure. Barcelona shook the net through Rashford in the 17th minute, but the goal was disallowed, as Lamine Yamal was previously in an offside position.
The key moment of the match, which completely shifted the course of the encounter, occurred in the 44th minute. Young Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, as the last defender, brought down Simeone in a dangerous challenge. After reviewing the VAR footage, referee Istvan Kovacs showed Cubarsi a direct red card and sent him to the dressing room.
The punishment for this foul was double and came in the very next minute. Julian Alvarez placed the ball about twenty meters out and from a free kick masterfully hit the top corner to give Atletico a 1-0 lead.
Although they had a player less on the field, the Catalans did not give up in the continuation and tried to equalize quickly. Rashford missed a colossal opportunity in the 50th minute when, after an excellent pass from Yamal, he managed to round the onrushing Musso, but from a difficult position, he only hit the outside of the net.
Just three minutes later, the English striker took a great free kick, but the incredible Musso, with the help of the crossbar, managed to save that as well.
As time went on, Barcelona's attacks with ten players faded, while Diego Simeone's team played characteristically solidly, calmly waiting for their chance on the counterattack.
Such an approach paid off for them in the 71st minute when the question of the winner was settled. Ruggeri delivered a brilliant cross from the left side, and Alexander Sorloth found himself in the right place in the penalty area and routinely found the net for a commanding 2-0.
Towards the end of the match, Joao Cancelo had a good chance to reduce the deficit, but Musso was unbeatable.
The Rojiblancos routinely saw out the match and head to Madrid with a huge two-goal advantage, leaving Barcelona with an extremely difficult mission in the return leg scheduled for next Tuesday.
Score and scorers: Barcelona - Atletico Madrid 0:2 (Alvarez 45', Sorloth 71')