Sorloth brace lifts Atlético, but midfield concern emerges ahead of Champions League semifinal
Madrid
Atlético Madrid warmed up for their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to midfielder Pablo Barrios.
Striker Alexander Sørloth starred with a brace as Diego Simeone’s side picked up valuable momentum ahead of the European showdown at the Metropolitano on Wednesday. However, Barrios’ second-half injury has left the club concerned about his availability for the biggest match of their season.
Atlético, who sit fourth in La Liga and are 10 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, have little left to play for domestically, with their campaign now fully focused on chasing a first-ever Champions League title.
The match began poorly for Atlético as Athletic Bilbao took the lead through a header from Aitor Paredes after 23 minutes. But veteran forward Antoine Griezmann restored parity early in the second half, reacting quickly to a deflected cross to finish from close range.
Shortly after, Sørloth combined neatly with former Villarreal teammate Álex Baena to put Atlético ahead, before concerns arose when Barrios went down injured while dribbling and was forced off the pitch.
The midfielder had only recently returned from a thigh problem that kept him out of both legs of Atlético’s quarterfinal win over Barcelona, making the latest setback particularly worrying.
“We all know Pablo is a hugely important player for us,” Baena said after the match. “He’s a friend, and it hurts to see him like that. I hope it’s nothing serious.”
Manager Diego Simeone made several substitutions, including taking off key players such as Griezmann and Koke to preserve them for the Arsenal clash, but Barrios’ injury could not be avoided.
Sørloth added a late third goal in stoppage time to seal the win, although Athletic managed a consolation through Gorka Guruzeta.
Despite the scare, Atlético remain optimistic as they prepare for what Baena described as “the most important game of the season,” with expectations high for a strong atmosphere and a determined performance at home.