Barcelona must channel their righteous anger into fuel for a Champions League comeback against Atlético Madrid
It won’t be easy for the Blaugrana but crazier things have happened in the competition
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 08, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) | Getty Images It feels like déjà vu all over again for Barcelona fans. Another Champions League letdown that consisted of a red card, uneven officiating, and an inability to hit the back of the net.
First, some venting. How Koke managed to not be sent off in the first half is beyond me. Atlético Madrid are a cynical team.
Everyone and their grandma knows that. How a referee comes into this game without expecting that is malpractice. We can be frustrated by Pau Cubarsí’s red card.
For me, the laws of the game must change in terms of defining a “clear goal scoring opportunity. ” We can debate whether Barcelona should have been given a penalty for Marc Pubill’s deliberate handball. Again, if we are to consistently call things by the “rule of the game,” then it must be given.