Barcelona Files UEFA Complaint Over Handball Decision

FC Barcelona has formally lodged a complaint with UEFA following a controversial handball decision during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match against Atletico Madrid, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Barcelona. The incident occurred in the 54th minute when Atletico Madrid's Marc Pubil was involved in a handball that led to a goal kick instead of a penalty, a decision made by Romanian referee Istvan Kovac.

Barcelona's management expressed outrage, stating that the referee did not adhere to current laws, which they believe directly influenced the game's outcome. The club emphasized that this is not the first instance of questionable refereeing decisions in recent UEFA Champions League matches, claiming a double standard that adversely affects their competitiveness.

Barcelona, a five-time Champions League winner, last lifted the trophy in 2015, and they are set to face Atletico Madrid again in the second leg next Wednesday.