FC Barcelona’s aspirations in the Champions League came to an end in the quarter-finals, despite securing a 2-1 away victory in the second leg against Atlético Madrid. Having faced a 2-0 deficit from the initial encounter, the Catalan giants ultimately failed to reverse their fortunes, with winger Raphinha notably voicing strong criticism regarding the officiating.
There was a palpable sense of belief that a comeback was possible. Trailing by two goals after the first leg at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana delivered an electrifying first-half performance at the Metropolitano. Just four minutes in, Lamine Yamal seized upon a defensive error from former Barcelona player Clément Lenglet to open the scoring. Then, in the 24th minute, Ferran Torres expertly curled a shot into the net, bringing the aggregate score level at 2-2. The prospect of an epic turnaround seemed very much alive.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the 80th minute when referee Clément Turpin, after consulting VAR, issued a red card to Barça’s central defender Eric Garcia for bringing down Alexander Sorloth, who was through on goal. Reduced to ten men, Hansi Flick’s squad made a valiant effort in the closing stages. Ronald Araujo came agonizingly close to finding an equalizer in stoppage time, but his header sailed just over the crossbar.
a chorus of criticism from the catalans
Following the final whistle, the German coach did not hide his disappointment. « If you review both matches, we truly deserved to advance to the semi-finals, » stated Hansi Flick. « Winning the Champions League was our dream, and we are all profoundly saddened, » he added, convinced that his players had exerted sufficient effort to qualify.
Raphinha’s reaction was considerably more impassioned. The Brazilian winger minced no words. « For me, it felt like a robbery, » he declared emphatically. « What I truly seek to comprehend are the criteria applied by referees specifically against Barça, » the Brazilian continued. « I can accept a mistake in one game, but in two consecutive matches? That’s utterly incomprehensible, » he concluded, clearly incensed by the officiating body.
For Barcelona, this elimination extends a troubling streak in European competitions. It marks the eleventh consecutive year that the Blaugrana have failed to lift the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid secures its place in the final four for the first time since 2017. Diego Simeone’s resilient side will undoubtedly rely on the effectiveness of their cohesive defensive unit as they dream of reaching the final in Budapest.