‘He can inspire me’ – Yamal hoping to channel inner LeBron against Atletico
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According to a report in AS, Blaugrana head coach Hansi Flick – during his side’s training session on Monday – was said to have “approached the UEFA match delegate to comment on the pitch height at the Metropolitano 24 hours before the match against Atletico Madrid.”Barca, 2-0 down from the first leg, reportedly denied there had been an official complaint and have now shared a new statement that declares their belief that the pitch will be “in perfect condition” for the game.
The club told TNT Sports: “We have a commitment with UEFA and can confirm that the pitch will be in perfect condition [as agreed at] this morning’s meeting.
“To be more precise, it will be cut to 26mm and well watered before kick-off and at half-time.”
Spanish outlet Marca reported that on Tuesday morning “at Barca’s request, the height of the grass was checked at the stadium,” as the saga began to dominate the pre-match build-up.There have been a number of incidents related to the pitch in recent matches at the Metropolitano, with Antonin Kinsky and Micky van de Ven among those to slip during Spurs’ meeting with Diego Simeone’s side in the Champions League last month, resulting in goals for the hosts.
Barca keeper Joan Garcia also saw the ball bobble before going under his foot during his side’s 4-0 hammering at the hands of Atleti in the Copa del Rey back in February.
Highlights: Atleti claim famous Camp Nou win leaving Barca with work to do
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UEFA throw out Barca VAR protest
There was more controversy in the first leg between the sides, with Barca frustrated at an incident where Atleti centre-back Marc Pubill handled the ball in the area from a goal-kick.
Barca believed the ball was in play and that a penalty should have been awarded, but referee Istvan Kovacs was unmoved and there was no VAR review.
UEFA, in a statement, deemed Barca’s protest “inadmissible.”The governing body said: “Following the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg played on Wednesday 8 April 2026 between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid, FC Barcelona filed a protest relating to a referee decision.
“On 13 April 2026, the UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body declared the protest to be inadmissible.”
‘Barcelona were very unlucky’ – Cole has say on controversial handball decision
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Flick says Barca ‘often the better team’ against Atleti
In the lead-up to the game, Barca boss Flick was taking a bullish approach to the huge task facing his side as they seek to overturn their two-goal deficit.
“Mentality and attitude are important,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow, every person is important, every positive thing is important.
“So we have to believe that we can do it, and I have the feeling the team is on the right track. Of course, it has to do with playing football, defend well, but to be brave in attack. This is normal.
“We have the quality and in the games against Atletico, we were often the better team.”
Watch and stream Atletico Madrid v Barcelona on Tuesday night on TNT Sports and HBO Max
