Striker Raphinha criticized the refereeing after Barcelona’s elimination in the quarter-finals of Champions League. The Brazilian did not play due to injury, but attended the second duel against Atlético of Madrid. The Catalan team won 2-1 in the second leg, but fell 3-1 2 on the aggregate score.
Raphinha used strong terms to talk about the referees’ decisions in both games. Ele pointed out a repetition of criteria that harmed Barcelona, with expulsions in each confrontation.
Attacker reactions in the mixed zone
The player gave an interview shortly after the final whistle. Ele classified the tie as a robbery and extended the criticism to the first game. Raphinha questioned the treatment given to Barcelona and said that the club needed to try harder to try to win.
He made gestures simulating robbery with his hands to the fans of Atlético. The Brazilian expressed his desire to understand the fear of victories for the Catalan team. The statements took place on the night of Tuesday, April 14, at stadium Metropolitano, at Madri.
- Raphinha cited expulsions of Pau Cubarsí on the way out and Eric García on the way back
- He complained about Atlético fouls without yellow cards
- The attacker mentioned an unmarked penalty in favor of Barcelona
- Raphinha stated that repeated errors require attention from the authorities
Game details and impact of elimination
In the first match, at Barcelona, Atlético won 2-0. In the return match, Barcelona won 2-1 with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Atlético scored with Ademola Lookman. The expulsions occurred in moves reviewed by the VAR for the last man.
The elimination ends Barcelona’s campaign at Champions League. The team is now concentrating its efforts on the final stretch of La Liga to seek a place in the next edition of the European competition.
Coach Hansi Flick avoided comments about the refereeing after the game. Raphinha, injured, traveled anyway to support the squad in Madri.