FC Barcelona forward Raphinha has sparked controversy after claiming his side were “robbed” following their UEFA Champions League quarter final defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Barcelona were eliminated 3–2 on aggregate after a dramatic tie that saw both legs heavily influenced by red cards and VAR decisions. Despite a 2–1 victory in the second leg, the Catalan club failed to overturn a 2–0 first leg deficit.
Raphinha, who missed both matches due to injury, expressed frustration after the game, criticising the officiating and claiming inconsistent refereeing decisions affected the outcome.
“For me, we were robbed,” he said, arguing that Atletico committed numerous fouls without receiving bookings. He also suggested that Barcelona were treated unfairly in key moments of the match.
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, had briefly revived hopes of qualification after goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres levelled the tie on aggregate. However, Atletico restored their advantage through a countering goal from Ademola Lookman.
The match swung decisively in the second half when Barcelona were reduced to ten men after Eric Garcia was shown a red card following a VAR review for a foul on Alexander Sorloth.
Raphinha, who travelled with the squad despite a hamstring injury, later expressed further frustration, saying the tie required Barcelona to “work three times as hard” and suggesting repeated refereeing mistakes influenced the outcome.
He also made comments directed at Atletico supporters after the match, gestures that may lead to disciplinary review by UEFA. The governing body is expected to examine match reports before deciding whether any sanctions will be issued.
Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso dismissed Barcelona’s complaints, insisting the result was fair and that his team earned their victory on the pitch.
The defeat marks another painful European exit for Barcelona, despite signs of progress under Flick and a strong fightback in the second leg.
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