Barcelona manager insists his team were denied a penalty and “a clear red card” for Atletico
Hansi Flick has hit at match officials after Barcelona were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Camp Nou.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth secured a strong advantage for Atletico, both strikes coming after Barcelona were reduced to 10 men following Pau Cubarsí’s red card.
Flick felt the red card to Cubarsi was justified but expressed his frustration on a second-half incident when Atletico defender Marc Pubill, already booked, handled the ball inside the penalty area. No penalty was awarded and no second yellow card was shown.
“I don’t know what happens in the situation when the goalkeeper starts the game, the defender stops the ball with his hand and then plays again,” Flick said. “For me, it’s a clear red card, well a second yellow card and a penalty. [VAR] can explain why it’s not [reviewed the play].
“I can’t believe it’s not a red card. It feels not good. It feels unfair. We have to accept it. We will fight next Tuesday.”
VAR had earlier intervened to upgrade Cubarsi’s initial yellow card to a red for a last-man challenge on Giuliano Simeone, a decision that led directly to Atletico’s opener. Alvarez converted the resulting free kick for his ninth Champions League goal of the season before Sorloth increased Barcelona’s headache the 70th minute.
“They scored two goals, they have big quality in the striker [position],” Flick said. “We know it’s not easy to defend. The first goal we have to defend much better.
“We get the red card and the first goal comes for Atletico straight away. VAR was very focused today for Atletico. It’s a German guy, so thanks Germany.”
Barcelona created chances in the second half despite playing with 10 men. Marcus Rashford, starting in place of the injured Raphinha, had seven shots all game but was unable to beat goalkeeper Juan Musso. Flick insisted the tie remains open ahead of the return leg in Madrid.
“We played good in the first half and also in the second half with one less player,” Flick said. “With one player less we gave everything. Today we were not lucky.
“We will fight. It’s not done yet. It’s far away maybe, the semifinal, but we have a chance and we will try.”
