Pau Cubarsi accepts blame for Barcelona's Champions League defeat to Atletico
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has publicly taken responsibility for his red card in his side's 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 19-year-old was sent off in the 44th minute at the Metropolitano for a last-man foul on Giuliano Simeone, a decision that shifted the tie decisively in Atletico's favour.
Julian Alvarez scored directly from the resulting free-kick to give Diego Simeone's side a lead they would not relinquish, with a second goal following after the break. In a post on Instagram the day after the match, Cubarsi did not contest the decision, stating that one action had determined the match and the tie, and that he accepted responsibility for the result. He added that the squad remained united and would not give up ahead of the return leg at Montjuic.
The suspension rules Cubarsi out of the crucial second leg next week, presenting a significant defensive headache for manager Hansi Flick. With the young centre-back unavailable, Flick is likely to choose between Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Ronald Araujo, or Jules Kounde to partner Inigo Martinez in central defence. Garcia replaced Cubarsi after the dismissal and finished the game in defence, while Martin moved from midfield to fill the gap.
Despite Cubarsi's acceptance of the red card, Barcelona's camp was left frustrated by other aspects of referee Istvan Kovacs's performance. Flick argued his side should have been awarded a penalty in the first half for a handball by Atletico's Marc Pubill, which officials deemed to be part of a goal-kick motion. The German coach also expressed annoyance that Atletico captain Koke avoided a second yellow card for a foul on Lamine Yamal.
The defeat leaves Barcelona with a steep challenge to overturn the deficit and reach the semi-finals. Their task is compounded by the absence of one of their most consistent defenders this season; Cubarsi has been a breakout star, establishing himself as a first-choice player under Flick with his composed performances. His error and subsequent suspension mark a rare low point in an otherwise impressive campaign for the La Masia graduate.
For Atletico Madrid, the victory and clean sheet provide a solid platform as they aim to progress. Alvarez's superb set-piece strike, following his recent contract discussions with the club, underscored his growing importance. Simeone's team will travel to Barcelona knowing their disciplined defensive structure will be tested, but with a significant advantage to protect. The result continues a pattern of tight, often contentious clashes between these two Spanish giants in European competition.
