Barcelona manager Hansi Flick launched a scathing attack on the officiating after his team's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. Flick was incensed by a second-half penalty call and a red card shown to Pau Cubarsi, which left Barcelona with 10 men before halftime.
Flick questioned the use of VAR after his side's penalty appeal was denied. He stated, "What's the point of VAR? I just can't understand it. It should have been a penalty, a second yellow and a red card." He believes the incident warranted a penalty and a dismissal for the Atletico player.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone offered a different perspective, emphasizing "common sense" in the referee's interpretation of the play. He suggested the referee saw the situation as it unfolded, with the ball appearing to be passed to the defender.
Barcelona was already a man down when Cubarsi was sent off in the 44th minute for a challenge on Giuliano Simeone. Julian Alvarez scored from the resulting free-kick, and Alexander Sorloth secured the win in the second half. Flick also expressed uncertainty about the red card decision, questioning the extent of contact made by Cubarsi.