Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, squarely blamed referee Istvan Kovacs for the team’s Champions League exit, strongly contending that Ronald Araújo’s red card was unwarranted.
Barcelona’s European journey ended with a disappointing loss to French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Despite seeming in control with an early goal from Raphinha, which gave them a 4-2 aggregate lead, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically after Araújo was sent off.
Araújo’s expulsion, due to a last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola, became the game’s turning point, benefiting PSG, who capitalized on their numerical superiority to score four goals and advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
During the post-match press conference at Montjuïc, Xavi criticized referee Kovacs, repeatedly highlighting the detrimental effect of Araújo’s red card:
“I told the referee that he was very poor. It was a disaster. Giving a red card for it is too much. It’s a real shame. The referee ruined all of our work this season. I wanted to play 11 vs 11, fairly.
Xavi voiced his frustration over the referee’s decision, which he believed significantly changed the game’s course. He bemoaned the challenge of competing with a reduced squad at this elite level.
Xavi stressed his wish for a fair match and expressed disappointment in the referee’s influence on the game’s outcome. His remarks underscored his dissatisfaction with Kovacs’ red card decision, which he felt unfairly affected Barcelona’s Champions League prospects.
