UEFA Champions League: Barça to file complaint after defeat to Atlético

08.04.26 FT Champions League

Barcelona

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Atletico Madrid

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FC Barcelona hasn’t digested their defeat to Atlético Madrid (0-2) in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Beyond the result, it’s the refereeing that has really sparked Catalan outrage, to the point that the club’s management is seriously considering filing an official complaint with UEFA.

Furious after the match, Hansi Flick didn’t mince his words:

"I don’t understand what on earth VAR is for. First, I’m not even sure Cubarsí touched him. And how is that not a handball by Marc Pubill? Why didn’t VAR intervene if the referee’s error is clear? That’s a penalty and a second yellow for Pubill, which means a red."

His words reflect a widespread feeling of injustice in the locker room.

Several refereeing decisions are being contested, notably the sending-off of Pau Cubarsí and a controversial handball in the opposition’s box. Players like Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martin have also voiced their frustration, while the Catalan press openly denounces what they see as biased officiating.

Internally, the tension is palpable. According to multiple sources, the club is considering filing a complaint—a move that’s both symbolic and strategic, aiming to put pressure ahead of the return leg at the Metropolitano. It’s Barcelona’s way of making their voice heard, especially after several controversial Champions League decisions in recent seasons.

Read also: UEFA Champions League / FC Barcelona 0–2 Atlético de Madrid: Hansi Flick’s blunt remarks on Lamine Yamal!

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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