Barcelona Exit UCL Amid VAR and Spitting Row

Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League following a 7-6 aggregate defeat to Inter Milan, losing 4-3 after extra time in the second leg at San Siro. The match was overshadowed by controversy, including an allegation that Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez spat at Inter’s Francesco Acerbi, which Martinez denied, and VAR reviewed without taking action, though retrospective punishment remains possible. Manager Hansi Flick, Arsene Wenger, and Barcelona players criticized refereeing decisions, especially a VAR-awarded penalty to Inter and the reversal of a Barcelona penalty, arguing the calls favored Inter. Despite Barcelona's spirited comeback from a two-goal deficit, late goals from Acerbi and Frattesi secured Inter’s progression. Barca fans blamed defensive lapses by Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres, prompting questions about team morale. With their treble hopes ended, Barcelona will now focus on La Liga amid scrutiny of officiating standards.