„Barcelona“ players, after stormy matches, headed towards the dressing room with their heads down. The Champions League quarter-final became fatal for last season's champions. On Wednesday, „Barcelona“ lost 0:2 to Madrid's „Atletico“ away and was eliminated, even though they celebrated a 2:1 victory at home.
„Barcelona“ coach Luis Enrique stated that no one should be blamed except him. „I am one hundred percent guilty of the loss. I am the coach and I am responsible. We expected a game like this. We didn't have many problems in the first half, although they scored a goal. In the second half, we created enough chances. Everything shows that we are not going through the best times,“ said L. Enrique.
But the opinion of „Barcelona“ coach is only one side.
Defender Jordi Alba is convinced that referee Nicola Rizzoli favored the Catalans.
„Atletico“ scored their second goal after Andres Iniesta's handball in the penalty area. A. Iniesta managed to avoid a red card, but N. Rizzoli awarded a penalty kick, which Antoine Griezmann scored in the 88th minute.
Soon came the moment that made J. Alba feel robbed.
In the very first minute of added time by the referee, „Atletico“ defender Gabi touched the ball with his hand. „Barcelona“ players immediately started demanding a penalty kick, but N. Rizzoli hesitated to point to the spot. The situation raised many questions because Gabi's left foot was on the penalty area line, and his hand was already beyond the penalty area.
N. Rizzoli awarded a regular penalty kick at the penalty area line, which Lionel Messi did not convert. If „Barcelona“ had scored, the teams would have played extra time.
„I was told it was a penalty, and being on the field, I clearly saw that,“ said J. Alba.
He did not dare to criticize the referee's work.
„The penalty was not awarded, and we had to move forward. The referee did a good job in these matches. About the penalty kick, it is clear, but such moments are sometimes favorable to us, and sometimes not. The referee has nothing to do with the result,“ said the defender.
lrytas.lt
