‘Very strange, a scandal’ — Barcelona vow to file complaint after being thrashed by Lookman’s Atletico

Barcelona have vowed to file an official complaint after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, with controversy surrounding a lengthy VAR decision adding to their frustration.

Ademola Lookman was the star of the night, delivering a sensational display as Atletico seized control of the semi-final tie, but much of the post-match focus centred on an eight-minute VAR review that left Barcelona furious.

The Copa del Rey is fast becoming Lookman’s personal stage, and the Nigerian forward once again produced a man-of-the-match performance.

He scored, provided an assist, and forced an own goal as Atletico stunned the Spanish league leaders.

Further strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, coupled with an own goal from Eric Garcia, who was later sent off, sealed a comprehensive 4-0 first-leg advantage for Diego Simeone’s side.

Barcelona were already reeling when Pau Cubarsi thought he had pulled one back early in the second half, only for the goal to be ruled out after a prolonged VAR check.

According to the Referee’s Committee (CTA), the eight-minute delay was caused by a malfunction in the semi-automatic offside system. With a high density of players in the box preventing the technology from drawing the lines, VAR official Pablo Gonzalez was forced to manually assess the images.

The CTA insist the decision was correct, stating that Robert Lewandowski’s touch sent the ball forward and Cubarsi was beyond the last defensive line.

However, Barcelona strongly disagree and are set to lodge a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Captain Frenkie de Jong did not hold back after the match.

“In the offside image we don’t see the contact with the ball, when Fermín López shoots. Later there’s another image and it’s clearly seen that the defender is one meter behind Robert Lewandowski. Very strange, a scandal…”

With a second leg coming up on the 3rd of March at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona will need to lick their wounds in order to mount a comeback in hopes of defending their Copa del Rey crown.