Barcelona's Chaotic Exit from Champions League: Xavi Laments 'Disastrous' Refereeing

In a dramatic night at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona lost its lead and subsequently the match against Paris St-Germain with a final score end of 1-4.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez blamed a combination of referee mistakes, player panic and an unneeded ejection for the defeat. The 'unnecessary expulsion' referred to the red card received by Ronald Araujo in first half. His sending off drastically altered the quarter-final match, where PSG overcame a 3-2 deficit from the first leg to clinch the tie 6-4 on aggregate.


The referee, Istvan Kovacs, had a night full of decisions to make, including showing three red cards to the usually controlled Barcelona team. Apart from Araujo, manager Xavi and a coaching staff member were also dismissed. Xavi expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing, stating it had a significant impact on both the match and the season.

PSG exploited their numeric superiority with a double from Kylian Mbappe, a long-range hit from Vitinha, and a goal from Ousmane Dembele against his former team. Joao Cancelo's tackle in the box led to Mbappe scoring his first goal from the penalty spot.

Barcelona, who started their second leg on the right foot, saw their lead quickly vanished. Thierry Henry, a former striker for Barcelona, noted that Champions League games can be unforgiving. Mistakes result in immediate repercussions, which Barcelona had to experience.

Xavi regretted that a single refereeing decision ended a season's work, and commented that the red card for Araujo was unnecessary. In total, Kovacs dealt 12 cards, something that added to the chaotic evening, which also included five goals and a strike hitting the woodwork.

The semi-finals will see PSG who celebrated with their fans at the end of the match. Despite the exit, there were poignant scenes of Xavi consoling his team, and fans in the stands shedding tears.