Barcelona were left frustrated after two strong penalty appeals were waved away during their 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The decisions, which could have dramatically altered the outcome of a tight Champions League qualification battle, have sparked significant debate.
The first major incident occurred in the 38th minute. Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsi made a bursting run into the Atletico box and went down under a challenge from Marcos Llorente. Referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez immediately signaled for a corner, judging that Llorente had played the ball. The VAR team conducted a check but saw no clear error, allowing the on-field decision to stand.
Barcelona’s protests grew louder just after the hour mark. In the 62nd minute, a cross into the area struck the hand of Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who was leaping with his arm extended away from his body. Once again, the referee saw no infringement, and another VAR review concluded without recommending an on-field review.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez did not hold back in his post-match assessment. “They were two clear penalties,” he stated firmly. “Especially the handball by Hermoso. It’s inexplicable. Everyone saw it except the referee.” He added, “We are leaving with a point, but with the feeling that two points were stolen from us due to refereeing decisions.”
The dropped points have tangible consequences in the La Liga table. Barcelona remain in second place but are now eight points behind leaders Real Madrid. More pressingly, their gap over fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao is just one point, intensifying the fight for a top-four finish and Champions League football for the 2024/2025 season.
For Atletico Madrid, the draw does little to improve their own top-four ambitions. Diego Simeone’s side stays in fourth, level on points with Athletic Bilbao but ahead on the head-to-head record. The race for the final Champions League spots promises to be fiercely contested until the final matchday.
