USMNT's Johnny Cardoso helps Atlético advance, setting up Barcelona clash in Champions League
Two Americans are headed to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, both for La Liga clubs that will renew their ancient rivalry next month. Johnny Cardoso went the distance as Atlético Madrid advanced past Tottenham Hotspur despite losing Wednesday’s second leg in London, while 19-year-old goalkeeper Diego Kochen enjoyed the view from the bench as Barcelona trashed visiting Newcastle. The Spanish sides will clash April 7-8 in Barcelona and a week later in the capital.
Midfielders Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) and Yunus Musah (Atalanta) were eliminated this week, joining five other U. S. teammates bounced in earlier phases.
[ Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem: Make your picks for $50K in total prizes ] Christian Pulisic remains the only USMNT member to play in — and win — a Champions League final (with Chelsea in 2020-21). Pulisic’s AC Milan did not qualify for this season’s competition. Cardoso — a 24-year-old defensive midfielder named to the U.
S. squad for this month’s training camp and friendlies — started his third consecutive Champions League match as Atleti fell at Tottenham Hotspur, 3-2, but prevailed on aggregate, 7-5. Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Round 16 - Second Leg - Tottenham Hotspur v Atletico Madrid - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - March 18, 2026 Atletico Madrid's Johnny Cardoso in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Randal Kolo Muani Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs Action Images via Reuters / REUTERS Kochen, a Miami native who will turn 20 Thursday, took his usual spot on the sideline for a wild one in Catalonia: Barcelona scored five goals in about 27 minutes to rout Newcastle, 7-2, for an 8-3 advantage over two legs.
Kochen is Barca’s third-choice keeper behind Spain’s Joan García and Poland’s Wojciech Szczęsny and, while he’s been in uniform for 14-of-15 matches in 2026, he’s yet to play for the first team. An academy graduate who signed a pro contract in 2022, Kochen was promoted to the first team this season after playing for the B squad in the third division last season. Also eligible for Peru and Venezuela, he played for several U.