Raphinha criticizes officiating as Barcelona exits UCL.
Raphinha expressed his frustration that Barcelona were “robbed” following his teammates’ elimination from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
The Brazilian was sidelined due to injury but made the trip to Madrid to witness Barça’s exit from the tournament at the quarterfinal stage, losing 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 victory on the night at the Metropolitano.
Goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres had leveled the tie for Barça, but Ademola Lookman’s goal ensured Atlético advanced to the semifinals against either Arsenal or Sporting Club.
Barcelona’s chances of extending the match into extra time vanished late in the game when Eric García received a red card for a last-man challenge on Alexander Sørloth, leaving Raphinha infuriated with the officiating.
“The game was completely robbed,” he stated to reporters. “The referee had numerous issues. Some of the calls he made were astonishing. I can’t recall how many fouls Atlético committed without receiving a booking.”
Barcelona had sought a penalty when Dani Olmo was fouled in the first half, but Raphinha did not mention any specific decision.
This incident marks the second consecutive match in which Barça has been dissatisfied with the officiating in the Champions League, with the club having lodged an official complaint with UEFA regarding the failure to award them a penalty and the sending off of Marc Pubill last week.
Earlier on Tuesday, UEFA deemed the protest “inadmissible.”
“It’s human to make a mistake, but for it to happen again in another match?” Raphinha continued. “We performed exceptionally well, but this tie was taken from us.
“It was difficult, especially when we realize that we have to exert three times the effort to secure a win. I truly want to understand why [the referee] seems so apprehensive about Barça advancing in the tie.”
After losing the first leg 2-0 at Spotify Camp Nou last week, Barça aimed to reverse the situation quickly at the Metropolitano.
However, despite finishing the tie with more shots on target (15 to 8) and a superior xG (3.38 to 2.08) compared to Atlético, they were eliminated, with coach Hansi Flick asserting that they deserved to move forward.
“We played a fantastic first half tonight,” he remarked in a press conference. “We needed to score more goals. It was certainly possible [to score more].
“When you analyze both matches, we deserve to be in the semifinal. But we must accept it. I am proud of the mentality and attitude the players displayed on the pitch.”
Barcelona was also eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Atlético last month, but their season is not yet concluded. They secured the Spanish Supercopa in January and currently hold a nine-point lead at the top of LaLiga with seven matches remaining. “The next objective is to win LaLiga,” Flick added. “We are on the right path. It is not finished yet. We have more games ahead and we need to replicate today’s performance.
“Naturally, we are disappointed at this moment. It’s understandable. Winning the Champions League is a significant aspiration. We must learn from what we need to enhance, but we have a young team that can and will improve next season.
“I recognize that it’s disheartening for everyone; I share that disappointment. It’s football, it’s life. We must regroup.”
