Barcelona have issued a formal complaint to UEFA after they were denied a penalty against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s 2-0 loss in the Champions League.
The Catalan side released an official statement requesting an investigation, including access to communication between the referees.
The incident occurred during an Atletico goal-kick in the 54th minute, when goalkeeper Juan Musso passed the ball to defender Marc Pubil, who controlled it with his hand, seemingly believing play had not restarted.
Barcelona players immediately appealed for a penalty, but neither on-field referee Istvan Kovacs nor VAR awarded one, and play continued after Pubil passed the ball back to Musso.
Barcelona File Complaint to UEFA
Barcelona vs Atletico
Barcelona’s official statement described Wednesday’s controversy as a ‘major error’, stating that ‘unfathomable’ refereeing decisions directly influenced the outcome of the game:
“FC Barcelona inform that the Club legal services have submitted a complaint to UEFA today regarding the events in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atlético Madrid.
“The Club considers that the refereeing did not adhere to the current law, directly influencing how the game progressed and the result.
“The complaint centres around a specific action. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had been restarted correctly, an opponent player picked up the ball in their area without being shown the corresponding penalty.
“FC Barcelona understands that this decision, along with a grave lack of intervention by VAR, represents a major error.
“Accordingly, the Club has requested an investigation be opened, access to refereeing communications, and where applicable, official acknowledgment of the errors and the adoption of the relevant measures.
“Along these same lines, FC Barcelona consider that this is not the first time in recent editions of the UEFA Champions League that unfathomable refereeing decisions have had a detrimental effect on the team, creating a clear double standard and preventing competing against other clubs on a level playing field.”
By the time the incident occurred, Barcelona had already been reduced to 10 men following Pau Cubarsi’s sending-off, while Atletico were 1-0 ahead thanks to Julian Alvarez’s free-kick on the brink of half-time.
Norway international Alexander Sorloth added Atletico’s second in the 70th minute, securing the Spanish capital side’s first victory at Camp Nou since 2006.
Hans i Flick Frustrated Over Incident
Hansi Flick
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick vented his frustration over the incident post-match, saying:
“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.
“For me, it's a clear red card, well a second yellow card and a penalty. [The 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.”
Prior to Wednesday’s defeat, Barcelona were unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, including beating Atletico twice in the league and cup.
Atletico have eliminated the Catalan side in both of their previous Champions League knockout ties, and take a significant advantage into next Tuesday’s second leg in Madrid.
desire doue champions league trophy Related
Supercomputer Predicts 2025-26 Champions League Winners Odds
The Champions League has reached the quarter-final stages and the Opta Supercomputer has given its chances of who will win the trophy