Deco points to first leg VAR controversy after Barcelona’s Copa del Rey exit – ‘That’s why we complained…’
· Yahoo Sports
Despite their best efforts, FC Barcelona could not overcome the four-goal deficit in the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid and were eliminated from the competition.
Having lost 4-0 in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Blaugrana fought hard last night in the second leg, but could only muster up a 3-0 win, which was not enough.
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Deco harks back to Cubarsi goal from first leg
Speaking to the media after the match, Barcelona sporting director Deco recalled the controversial incident from the first leg, when Pau Cubarsi had scored a goal only to see it get chalked off by VAR for a dubious offside call.
Following the first leg, where the semi-automated offside system had failed due to technical glitches, Barça had also filed complaints with the RFEF and the CTA regarding the match officiating.
Had that goal stood, the first leg would have ended 4-1, meaning last night’s 3-0 victory would have forced the tie into extra time. But it was not to be.
“Overturning the 4-0 from the first leg was not easy, that is why we complained there about Cubarsi’s disallowed goal,” stated Deco, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“With that 4-1, today there would have been extra time, but we must not look for excuses, and the team were magnificent.”
Talking about last night’s match and the performance of the team, the Barça director explained:
“We dominated the entire match. Our commitment is a good sign and makes us happy because we still have a lot to win this season.
“We wanted to win the Copa del Rey, but we played poorly there. Connecting with the fans like this shows that this team is generating excitement.”
Deco also pointed out: “We have shown that we are in good shape despite the injuries, today to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.
“We can aspire to win titles. Decisive moments are coming. Step by step, we have to think about Bilbao now.”