Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, Apr 15: Raphinha lashed out at refereeing decisions after Barcelona were knocked out by Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Despite Barcelona securing a 2-1 win in the second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium, it was not enough to overturn a 2-0 defeat in the first leg.

Raphinha, who missed the match due to a hamstring injury, alleged that his team was “robbed” over the two legs. “Not only this match, but the other one as well. The refereeing was very bad. Incredible the decisions that they made,” he said, pointing out that Atletico players committed several fouls without receiving bookings.

He also expressed frustration over key decisions in both matches, including red cards shown to Pau Cubarsi in the first leg and Eric Garcia in the return leg. Barcelona had earlier lodged a complaint to UEFA over a possible penalty in the opening match, while players also appealed for another spot-kick in the second leg.

Following the match, Raphinha made gestures towards Atletico fans, indicating his belief that the Madrid club would not progress further, and mimed a “robbed” sign.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who had criticised refereeing after the first leg, refrained from doing so after the second match, stating that his team deserved better luck. “When you see both matches, we were much better than Atletico. But at the end it's like that, and we have to accept it,” he said.

Barcelona will now shift focus to domestic action, where they next face Celta Vigo in the league. The Catalan side currently lead the standings by nine points over Real Madrid after 31 rounds.