Raphinha Slams Referee After Barcelona's Controversial UCL Quarterfinal Exit

Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League quarterfinals despite a spirited 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, losing 3-2 on aggregate. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres struck early to level the tie after a 2-0 first-leg deficit, but Ademola Lookman’s goal put Atletico through to the semifinals against either Arsenal or Sporting Club.

The match turned chaotic with two red cards for Barca: Pau Cubarsi in the 42nd minute for fouling Giuliano Simeone as the last defender, and Eric García late on for stopping Alexander Sørloth. These decisions left the Catalans short-handed and fuming.

Injured winger Raphinha, watching from the stands, didn’t hold back post-match. “The game was completely robbed,” he told reporters, blasting the referee for poor calls and leniency on Atletico’s fouls. He questioned why officials seemed hesitant to let Barca advance, marking the second straight UCL game with officiating controversies.

Barca had appealed a non-penalty from the previous leg, but UEFA dismissed it as inadmissible. Coach Hansi Flick echoed the frustration, insisting his side deserved the semis based on overall play, with superior shots (15-8) and expected goals (3.38-2.08). “We played a fantastic first half,” he said, proud of the mentality shown.

Season not over yet—Barca lead LaLiga by nine points with seven games left and won the Spanish Supercopa. Flick urged focus: “The next step is to win LaLiga.”

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)