Hansi Flick has expressed frustration with the officials after they failed to award Barcelona a penalty and send off Marc Pubill during their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.
The Spanish giants should have been awarded a spot-kick in the second half after Atletico defender Pubill, who was already on a yellow card stopped the ball with his hand after Juan Musso’s goal kick.
Barcelona went on to lose the clash at Camp Nou and now have a mountain to climb ahead of next week’s second leg in Madrid.
“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,” Flick said.
“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.”
Barcelona started the game brightly but momentum changed when Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a foul on Giuliano Simeone.
Julian Alvarez took the resulting freekick and sent the ball into the top corner to give the visitors the lead.
Despite Barcelona’s second half fightback, Atletico doubled their advantage through Alexander Sorloth in the second half to seal a memorable win.
“They scored two goals, they have big quality in the striker [position],” Flick added.
“We know it’s not easy to defend. The first goal we have to defend much better.
“We get the red card and the first goal comes for Atlético straight away … the VAR was very focused today for Atlético. It’s a German guy, so thanks Germany”, Flick continued.
Barcelona will be hoping to overturn the first leg deficit when they head to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next Tuesday for the second leg clash.
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