MATCH RECAP: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (AET) – Champions League Semi-final Second Leg
Barcelona came into the second leg trailing but managed to fight back in spectacular fashion. Goals from Lewandowski, Pedri, and Raphinha saw the Catalan giants take a temporary lead. However, Inter Milan struck back late in regular time and sealed the deal in extra time, leaving Barcelona heartbroken.
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Hansi Flick’s Furious Post-Match Comments
Following the dramatic match, Hansi Flick did not hold back, accusing Champions League officials of a longstanding bias against Barcelona:
> “Since the time of Xavi, we have been the most hated team by the League Officials. They never want to see us win at all.”
He directly referenced multiple high-impact refereeing calls that swung the momentum of the game.
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Key Controversial Decisions That Infuriated Barcelona
1. VAR-awarded Penalty to Inter (55th Minute):
Referee Szymon Marciniak initially ignored a challenge on Lautaro Martínez inside the box. However, after a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Inter, which Nicolo Barella converted. Barcelona players argued the contact was minimal.
2. Barcelona’s Penalty Overturned (73rd Minute):
Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Lamine Yamal was tripped near the edge of the area. After another VAR intervention, the decision was reversed, causing uproar from Flick and his staff.
3. Possible Handball Before Inter’s Equalizer (82nd Minute):
In the build-up to Inter’s third goal, replays suggested a handball by Bastoni before releasing the pass to Marcus Thuram. The officials ignored the protest.
4. Uncalled Foul on Ronald Araujo (95th Minute):
Inter’s fourth and decisive goal in extra time came moments after Araujo appeared to be pushed off balance by Arnautovic. No foul was given, and Flick was visibly livid on the touchline.
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UEFA Reaction: Referees Dismissed
In a shocking twist, UEFA has reportedly dismissed referee Szymon Marciniak and his entire officiating team following widespread outrage and official complaints filed by Barcelona. The decision was said to be based on “failure to protect the integrity of the match.”
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Flick’s Tactical Praise and La Liga Focus
Despite the controversial exit, Flick commended his players:
> “I’m disappointed, but not with my players. They showed great character and commitment.”
Barcelona currently lead La Liga by four points, with a vital El Clásico approaching. Flick now turns full attention to securing the domestic double to salvage the season.
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Tactical Impact: Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Risk-Driven Football
Under Flick, Barcelona’s style has shifted into high-intensity, risk-reward football, which has seen attackers like Raphinha hit top form. The match against Inter displayed that style vividly: pressing high, committing bodies forward, and refusing to sit back.
But as Flick made clear—no amount of tactics can counter poor officiating.
