Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was left seething after his team’s Champions League elimination following a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The frustration stemmed from the controversial decision to send off Ronald Araújo, which Xavi labeled as a game-changing moment. Despite taking an early lead and looking well-organized, Barcelona’s hopes were dashed when Araújo was shown a red card in the 29th minute, leading to a turnaround by PSG and subsequent defeat. Xavi criticized Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, calling his performance a “disaster” and emphasizing the significant impact of the red card on the outcome of the tie.
The match saw a series of missed opportunities for Barcelona, with chances to level the aggregate score before Araújo’s dismissal. Xavi highlighted moments where his team could have capitalized, lamenting Robert Lewandowski’s shot that narrowly missed and Ilkay Gündogan hitting the post. The frustration was compounded by Xavi’s own expulsion for protesting a penalty decision, leading to a loss of composure within the Barcelona camp. Despite the setbacks, Xavi accepted responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the collective effort that was ultimately derailed by a single refereeing decision.
On the other side, PSG coach Luis Enrique remained composed in his assessment of the match. While acknowledging the impact of Araújo’s red card, Enrique expressed confidence in his team’s ability to progress even without the numerical advantage. Drawing on his experience as a coach, Enrique emphasized the importance of focusing on controllable factors and maintaining belief in the face of adversity. The win against Barcelona represented a significant milestone for PSG in the Champions League, showcasing their ability to overcome deficits and secure a place in the semifinals.
For Luis Enrique, the return to face Barcelona brought about mixed emotions. As a former player and coach of the Catalan club, Enrique’s successful tenure included notable achievements such as a treble-winning season in 2015. The match served as a reminder of both the challenges and triumphs faced during his time at Barcelona, including a memorable comeback against PSG in 2017. Despite the personal significance of the encounter, Enrique maintained a focus on the present and the success of his current team, PSG, as they strive for domestic and European glory.
Barcelona’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG was marred by controversy and missed opportunities. Xavi’s frustration with the referee’s decisions and the subsequent red card proved decisive in altering the course of the tie. While PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage and demonstrated resilience, Barcelona was left to ponder what could have been. The fallout from this match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in top-level football and the impact of critical decisions on the outcome of crucial fixtures.