The Atlético de Madrid delivered a major blow at the Camp Nou by securing a crucial advantage that leaves the Champions League tie against FC Barcelona in a difficult position. However, beyond the result, what has particularly caught attention within the Madrid club is the reaction from the Catalan side after the match.

From Barcelona, formal complaints have emerged regarding specific refereeing decisions. In fact, the club is expected to file an appeal to UEFA over “a refereeing action contrary to current regulations, with a direct impact on the development of the match and its outcome,” referring to an uncalled handball by Marc Pubill following a goal kick situation.

FC Barcelona reaction and appeal to UEFA

This stance has caused surprise within the Atlético de Madrid hierarchy, where officials find it striking that FC Barcelona would escalate such complaints. The red-and-white club also recalls that in a recent league clash between both sides, they were also affected by a refereeing decision, specifically the overturned sending-off of Gerard Martín, which ended up influencing the course of the match.

From the Catalan side, complaints began immediately after the final whistle, with statements from both Hansi Flick and Joan Laporta, and everything indicates that a formal appeal will be submitted in the coming days to UEFA.

Atlético de Madrid stance and refereeing pressure

In Madrid, there is a belief that the media pressure exerted by both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on referees is significant, which is why Atlético de Madrid has chosen not to respond publicly to the Catalan complaints. However, internally there is a perception that this type of pressure can influence refereeing decisions in decisive matches.

Furthermore, within Atlético de Madrid, there is a view that neither FC Barcelona nor Real Madrid are in a position to constantly question referees, given their media influence. As an example, they still recall the controversial ruling on a supposed double touch penalty by Julián Álvarez in a tie against Real Madrid, an incident that was later acknowledged by UEFA as incorrectly sanctioned.

Looking ahead to the second leg

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid has decided to ignore the controversy and focus entirely on the second leg. However, there is some concern within the club, as they believe that this type of external pressure could influence refereeing in the upcoming match, something that not only bothers them but also surprises them coming from a club of the stature of FC Barcelona.

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