Flick of Barcelona outraged by unusual missed red card in defeat
BARCELONA, Spain — Hansi Flick expressed his frustration that Barcelona should have been awarded a penalty and that Marc Pubill should have received a red card following his team’s 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth found the net after Pau Cubarsí was dismissed, placing Atlético in a strong position ahead of the return leg of the quarterfinal tie in Madrid next Tuesday.
Nonetheless, it was the failure to grant Barça a penalty in the second half that particularly angered Flick. Defender Pubill, who was already cautioned, handled the ball in the penalty area after Juan Musso appeared to execute a goal kick.
“I don’t understand what occurs when the goalkeeper initiates the play, the defender handles the ball, and then the game continues,” Flick stated in the post-match press conference.
“In my view, it’s a clear red card, or at least a second yellow card and a penalty. [The VAR] can clarify why it wasn’t [reviewed].
“I can’t comprehend why it’s not a red card. It feels unsatisfactory. It feels unjust. We must accept it. We will compete next Tuesday.”
The VAR had previously intervened regarding Cubarsí’s dismissal. The Barça defender was initially issued a yellow card for a last-man foul on Giuliano Simeone, but it was escalated to a red card upon review.
Álvarez netted his ninth goal in the Champions League this season from the resulting free kick, with substitute Sørloth confirming Atlético’s first victory at Camp Nou since 2006 in the 70th minute.
“They scored two goals, and they possess significant quality in the striker [position],” Flick remarked. “We recognize that defending is challenging. We must defend much better against the first goal.
“We receive the red card, and immediately after, Atlético scores the first goal…the VAR was very attentive today for Atlético. It’s a German individual, so thanks to Germany.”
Barça had opportunities both before and after Cubarsí’s red card. Marcus Rashford, filling in for the injured Raphinha, concluded the match with seven shots but was unable to beat Musso, who recorded seven saves during the match.
Flick believed he observed enough from his team to indicate that the tie is not yet concluded as they head into the second leg.
“We performed well in the first half and also in the second half with one fewer player,” he noted. “With one player less, we gave our all; today we were not fortunate.
“We will fight. It’s not over yet. The semi-final may seem distant, but we have a chance and we will strive for it.”
