Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has lodged a formal complaint with UEFA over the condition of Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano pitch ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday evening.
First-Leg Defeat at Camp Nou
Atletico Madrid claimed a convincing 2-0 win in the first leg at Camp Nou. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring just before halftime, moments after Pau Cubarsi received a controversial red card. Alexander Sorloth sealed the victory with a second goal 20 minutes from full time.
Barcelona condemned the referee’s decision to dismiss Cubarsi as ‘unfathomable’ in an official statement.
Pitch Condition Sparks Complaint
Following a training session at the Wanda Metropolitano, Flick examined the turf and deemed the grass excessively long. He promptly requested a UEFA official measure it, citing regulations that cap grass height at three centimeters uniformly across the pitch.
The Catalan club favors shorter grass, maintaining their Camp Nou surface at around 2.3 centimeters.
Responses from UEFA and Atletico
UEFA officials assured they would assess and trim the grass if required. Atletico Madrid refuted any irregularities, insisting the pitch matches its condition throughout the season and prior campaigns. Club representatives highlighted recent improvements after early-season cold weather challenges.
Media Backlash Against Flick
Cadena SER journalist Manu Carreno expressed disapproval of Flick’s actions, stating: “Sometimes I notice that Hansi Flick is starting to resemble Xavi complaining about the referees, the pitch. For a moment, I closed my eyes and saw Xavi. Complaining about the officiating in the first leg, wondering what the refereeing will be like in the return game… We saw him talking to UEFA representatives about the state of the field. This surprised me. For other coaches, the grass wasn’t anything unusual, but it surprised Hansi Flick. I suppose the pressure the Catalans are putting on themselves ahead of the match works in their favor, as they know exactly what is at stake.”
Flick Backs Team for Comeback
Flick exudes confidence in overturning the deficit. He declared: “I believe in my team and I think we can do it – it’s possible. I know we are up against a strong Atlético side with great players. We have to secure in defence and brave in attack. We have to take our chances as that was the difference in the first leg.”
