2-0 Champions League win 

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Diego Simeone is one of the most iconic managers in modern football and he ended an unwanted hoodoo with Atlético Madrid impressive 2-0 win away to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Since his appointment in 2011, Simeone has transformed Atlético’s fortunes from a struggling mid-table LaLiga side to one of the most feared sides in European football.

The fiery Argentinian has won two LaLiga titles, two Europa Leagues and famously led Atlético to two Champions League finals before losing to arch rivals Real Madrid. There’s been one feat, however, that Simeone has been unable to achieve in almost 15 years in charge at Atlético until tonight – win at the Camp Nou. Ahead of the Champions League clash tonight, Simeone was winless in 18 attempts in all competitions at Barca’s famous home but that unwanted record has ended.

Diego Simeone ends Camp Nou hoodoo

Simeone has reshaped Atlético into the third force in Spanish football and often pushed Barcelona and Real Madrid close domestically. But remarkably the quarter-final first leg was his first triumph at the Camp Nou, losing 11 and drawing seven of his previous 18 visits. It’s imperative to highlight that Simeone’s has technically won two ‘away’ games against Barcelona but neither was played at their famed stadia.

Atlético claimed a 2-1 win away to Barca in December 2024 but that was played at the Olympic Stadia whilst the Nou Camp went under reconstruction. Los Colchoneros were technically the ‘away’ side for their 3-2 win in the SuperCopa in 2020, but that was played at a neutral venue in Saudi Arabia. Atlético are now favourites to progress into the Champions League semi-finals after a stunning Julián Alvarez free-kick and Alexander Sørloth’s second half effort sealed the win. Both goals arrived after Pau Cubarsí was sent off for Barca in a decision that Hansi Flick disagreed with, stating: “I’m not even sure it was a red card for Pau Cubarsí”.