Champions League: Raphinha shouts on a volley after Barça’s elimination

Barcelona’s elimination against Atlético Madrid, Tuesday night in the Champions League, leaves a bitter taste for the Blaugranas. And although Raphinha did not play in the match, the Brazilian winger was particularly virulent at the end of the game, pointing the finger at the refereeing. Present at the Cívitas Metropolitano despite his injury, the former Rennes player did not mince his words after the elimination of the Catalan club, beaten over the two legs (3-2), despite a 2-1 win in the return. An outcome that the player clearly questioned, denouncing several controversial decisions.

On the Madrid pitch, Hansi Flick’s men nevertheless answered the call, coming back into the tie thanks to Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. But a decisive goal from Ademola Lookman sealed the match’s fate and sent the Colchoneros into the last four. Tension rose a notch late in the game with the sending-off of Eric García, guilty of a strong tackle on Alexander Sørloth. A decision that crystallized Raphinha’s anger, already irritated by several incidents, including a penalty not awarded to Dani Olmo in the first half.

« It was a real robbery. The referee faced numerous difficulties. There were astonishing decisions. I don’t understand how many fouls Atlético Madrid committed without getting a card », the Brazilian said. A narrative that sits within a broader context of frustration on the Barça side. Already upset after a previous European match, the Catalan club had seen UEFA reject a complaint related to the refereeing. « Mistakes happen, but may they not happen again… We played exceptionally, and yet they deprived us of the draw. It seems we must redouble our efforts to win the victory », concluded Raphinha, bitter as he left the European stage.