In spite of the 2-0 loss and the expensive dismissal of Cubarsi, the post-match reaction of Barca boss Hansi Flick has focused heavily on an unusual call, Yankee Scores reports.

Lamine Yamal requires additional assistance from officials after Barcelona suffered a 2-0 first leg defeat against Atletico Madrid at the Champions League quarter-final stage, according to Hansi Flick.

Pau Cubarsí Red Card Shifts Momentum

Goals by Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth for Atleti, with added advantage gained when Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi received his marching orders due to a fouling act committed against Giuliano Simeone at halftime.

Notwithstanding playing with one less man, Barcelona demonstrated tremendous resilience as Marcus Rashford smashed onto the crossbar from a set-piece while youngster Lamine Yamal continued to give Atletico nightmares.

Flick: “Referees Must Protect Lamine Yamal”

Following the game, Barcelona coach Flick stated that the young attacking midfielder requires additional “assistance.”

Flick added: “I said it yesterday, he’s 18 years old, and, for me, he’s doing a fantastic job. We have to support him. Not make so much noise about things.

“He’s 18 years old, come on! For your country [Spain], he will be one of the best players ever.

“The referees, they have to protect him. This is why everyone goes to the stadium, everyone wants to see football, from these players. [Kylian] Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Lamine, Pedri.”

Simeone Praises Clinical “Teamwork”