Xavi: “It’s been a strange refereeing… I say strange, better than using another word”.
In the first leg in Paris, Barcelona won 3-2. Welcoming PSG in the second leg this morning at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Blaugrana has a big advantage when leading 1-0 thanks to Raphinha’s goal in the 12th minute .
Leading with a difference of 2 goals after 2 matches (total score 4-2) and holding a big advantage to win the ticket to the next round, Barcelona collapsed completely after playing without players because Araujo was sent off. The Uruguayan midfielder was sent off in the 30th minute for fouling Barcola close to the penalty area.
Playing without players, Barca conceded four times in a row, thereby losing 1-4 (three players scored for PSG: Dembele, Vitinha and Mbappe – a double). Unfortunately losing at home, Barca was eliminated with a total score of 4-6 after 2 matches.
During the press conference after Barca stopped in the Champions League quarterfinals, coach Xavi accused referee Istvan Kovacs. He said: “It is useless to discuss this match because the referee destroyed everything.
Obviously the red card completely changed the match. I don’t want to talk about the referee but I can’t stay silent.
We had to finish the Champions League because of the referee’s mistakes. I told him he was terrible and a disaster. That’s the reality.”
Not only Araujo’s student but Xavi was also given a red card in this match. The Spanish military leader was disqualified in the second half for a reaction error. In addition to Araujo and Xavi, a Barcelona assistant was also dismissed.
Being eliminated by PSG, Barcelona is considered empty-handed in the 2023-24 campaign. Five days after losing to PSG, the Blaugrana will visit Real Madrid in round 32 of La Liga, where coach Xavi and his team have almost no chance of winning the championship because they are 8 points behind Los Blancos.
