Barcelona dominated the game against Atlético de Madrid this Wednesday (8), at Camp Nou, when they had defender Pau Cubarsí sent off at the end of the first half and saw the script of the duel change.
When taking the free kick that led to the red card, Argentine Julián Alvarez placed the ball into Joan García’s angle and paved the way for the visitors’ 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Even with one less, the Catalan team pressed again in the second stage, but were unable to achieve a draw. The situation got worse when Atlético de Madrid expanded with Alexander Sørloth, in the 25th minute, completing a cross from the left.
In addition to the result, Barcelona players complained about the performance of Romanian referee István Kovács. First, they asked for the expulsion of Koke, who, already warned, made a harsh foul on Lamine Yamal, but did not receive a second yellow card.
The biggest irritation, however, occurred in an unusual move, nine minutes into the final stage. Goalkeeper Juan Musso put the ball into play with a goal kick and, afterwards, defender Arnau Pubill intercepted the ball with his hand and restarted the play. Despite protests from Barcelona, which asked for a penalty, neither Kovács nor the VAR reviewed the move.
Now, the Catalan team will have the difficult task of reversing the score at Atlético de Madrid, next Tuesday (14).
Also this Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain beat Liverpool 2-0, in Paris, and will carry a good advantage into the return match, in England, next Tuesday. Désiré Doué and Kvaratskhelia defined the French team’s victory.
In the other bracket, in games played on Tuesday (7), Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid away from home 2-1, and Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0, also as a visitor.
