After the 4-1 elimination against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Barcelona coach Xavi criticized Romanian referee István Kovács, disagreeing with the expulsion of defender Ronald Araújo, which occurred in the 29th minute. of the first half, even when Barça was ahead on the scoreboard.
“We are unhappy and angry, because I think the play marks the tie. We were well organized. For me, the red is exaggerated in this move. It’s not good to have ten, from then on it’s another game”, he said.
Xavi also revealed that he spoke to István Kovács after the final whistle.
“I told him it was very bad, it was a disaster. It killed the tie. It changes everything. I don’t like talking about the referees, but we have to say, we can’t remain silent”, added the coach.
Xavi also commented on the replacement of young striker Lamine Yamal, who despite having a good game, ended up leaving for Iñigo Martínez after Araújo was sent off.
“Unfortunately we chose Lamine. No matter how much we talk here, the expulsion marks everything. We could have made it 2-2 with Gundogan and 2-0 with Lewandowski. We even had a few chances with Raphinha. But I would like to play eleven against eleven until end. This expulsion is unnecessary”, he concluded.
Eliminated from the Champions League, Barcelona returns to the field in the Eapanhol Championship. Next Sunday, the team visits Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabéu, for the 32nd round. The ball starts at 4pm (Brasília time).
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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