FC Barcelona and Inter Milan played out an electrifying UEFA Champions League semi-final tie which saw 13 goals scored in two matches. Unfortunately, the Blaugranes came out on the negative end of the 7-6 aggregate scoreline as the Italians made their way to the final.
It is natural to see tensions flare up in a match of this intensity and with such high stakes involved, and the last night’s encounter also had its fair share of such tense moments.
Inigo Martinez clarifies his actions
One such moment came right before the half-time break, when Hakan Calhanoglu scored the penalty to double his side’s advantage. Inigo Martinez and Francesco Acerbi were the protagonists of a scuffle at that moment and had to be separated by other players.
Although it was not seen on television, some images shown on social media show that the Blaugrana defender might have spat on the Italian centre-back.
However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Spaniard made it clear that his spit was not aimed at the Nerazzurri player as he spoke to the media after the game. In this regard, he said:
“Acerbi celebrated the goal in my ear, I got angry, but the spit wasn’t aimed at him; I would’ve been sent off.”
Disagreement with the refereeing decisions
As was the case with Hansi Flick, the veteran Barcelona defender also aired his disagreements with the referee:
“Everyone saw today that the decisions went one way, but I don’t want that to be the focus. In the end, the referee had to make decisions and that’s how he made them. It’s a pity… We leave with our heads held high, everything possible was done.”
The centre-back clarified that he was feeling fine despite some concerns about his fitness and assured that despite this setback, the team is excited for the upcoming El Clasico:
“The team is still full of excitement and we’re going for Madrid without any problem.”
After this heartbreaking defeat, this El Clasico could be the perfect occasion to bring spirits back high. Hopefully, the Blaugranes will be able to put in a good performance after the highly demanding 120 minutes played in the UCL to pave their way to the La Liga title.
