Barcelona exited the Champions League quarter-finals following a defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Raphinha described the officiating during the match as a robbery, according to ESPN. The Brazilian international expressed frustration with several decisions made during the second-leg encounter at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The result means the Spanish champions fail to progress to the semi-finals of the competition. Atletico Madrid advanced after overturning a first-leg deficit to secure their place in the final four. Barcelona finished the match with 10 men after a first-half red card changed the momentum of the tie, per Sky Sports.
Manager Xavi Hernandez also received a red card for his protests on the touchline during the second half. Raphinha stated that the refereeing influenced the final outcome and prevented his team from competing fairly for a spot in the next round. The Catalan club now turns its focus to the domestic league campaign following the European exit.
