Alexander Sørloth Marks 100th Appearance for Atlético de Madrid in Champions League Clash Against Barcelona Today’s match against FC Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals marks a significant milestone for Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, who has now played his 100th game in the Rojiblanco jersey. The 29-year-old forward joined Atlético de Madrid last season after leaving Villarreal, where he had previously played. His debut for the club came on 19 August 2024 in a league encounter against his former team, Villarreal, at the Estadio de la Cerámica. In that match, Sørloth not only made his official debut but also scored his first goal for Atlético, showcasing his immediate impact. Throughout his first 100 appearances for the club, Sørloth has become a key figure in Atlético’s attacking arsenal. His contributions include scoring 41 goals and providing three assists, reflecting his consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments. The milestone achievement highlights his adaptation to the high-intensity environment of La Liga and the Champions League, where he has faced some of Europe’s top teams. The upcoming match against Barcelona holds special significance for Sørloth, as it represents the 100th game in his Atlético career. The encounter is part of the Champions League quarter-finals, a stage where the club has consistently competed at the highest level. Sørloth’s journey with Atlético began with a strong debut, and his continued performance has solidified his role as a vital player for the squad. The striker’s milestone also underscores the club’s investment in his development. Since joining from Villarreal, Sørloth has been integrated into Atlético’s tactical system, contributing both in attack and as a playmaker.#atltico_de_madrid #fc_barcelona #uefa_champions_league #estadio_de_la_cermica #alexander_sorloth
Spain vs. Serbia—International Friendly: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Spain will take to the field for the first time in 2026 when it faces Serbia in a friendly match on Friday night. The reigning European champions are in the midst of preparations for the 2026 World Cup, having secured a dominant run through their qualification campaign. Under manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain remains one of the top contenders for the tournament, bolstered by a deep squad and consistent performance. The team has not suffered a defeat in 90 minutes in over two years, and its recent history against Serbia includes three consecutive wins. Serbia, meanwhile, is under new management after Veljko Paunović took over in November. The former Chicago Fire coach, who has experience in Spain, faces the challenge of turning around a team that struggled during the World Cup qualifiers, finishing behind Albania and missing the playoffs. Despite having a talented squad, Serbia’s lack of cohesion has been a recurring issue, with inconsistent results despite strong individual performances. The team’s only victories since its loss to Spain in October 2024 have come against lower-ranked opponents like Austria, Andorra, and Latvia. The match will be held at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, with a kick-off time of 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT). Spain is expected to field a strong lineup despite missing several key players, including forwards Nico Williams and Álvaro Morata, as well as midfielders Mikel Merino and Fabián Ruiz, who are recovering from injuries. The absence of these players may lead to increased playing time for younger talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Rodri, who have been key contributors in recent campaigns. Spain’s attacking options remain formidable, with Yamal poised to be a major threat.#spain #luis_de_la_fuente #serbia #veljko_paunovi #estadio_de_la_cermica
