FC Barcelona’s dramatic Champions League exit against Inter Milan has sparked a firestorm, with coach Hansi Flick and young defender Pau Cubarsí at the center of the storm. The semi-final second leg, ending 4-3 after extra time, was marred by a series of disputed decisions from Polish referee Szymon Marciniak.
The most controversial moment came just before halftime when Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty for Cubarsí’s challenge on Lautaro Martinez. Despite initial hesitation, VAR intervened and the penalty stood, a decision that pundits like Arsène Wenger later called “incomprehensible,” insisting Cubarsí played the ball first The call allowed Inter to extend their lead, shifting the momentum in a match already packed with drama.
Barcelona’s camp, led by Flick, voiced frustration post-match, arguing that nearly every 50/50 decision seemed to favor Inter. Flick stopped short of outright condemnation but noted, “Certain decisions were unjust, and we have to say it” Spanish media echoed these sentiments, with some outlets suggesting a bias against Barça and even referencing Marciniak’s alleged ties to Real Madrid
As the dust settles, Barça’s elimination remains overshadowed by officiating debates, with Cubarsí’s penalty challenge now a defining image of a night that left Catalonia demanding answers.
