UEFA Dismisses Barcelona's Protest Against Referee Decisions in Initial Defeat to Atletico

Barcelona called for a penalty when Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso seemed to release the ball into play from a goal kick just before defender Marc Pubill touched it within the six-yard box to regain possession.

Referee Istvan Kovacs permitted play to proceed, and the VAR officials chose not to invite him to the pitchside screen for a review.

Barcelona submitted a formal protest on Thursday, yet UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled the protest inadmissible.

"Regarding the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, between FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona submitted a protest concerning a referee ruling. On 13 April 2026, the UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body pronounced the protest inadmissible," UEFA announced in a statement.