Jordi Alba: Referee not to blame for Barcelona defeat

Barca were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty at the death, when Gabi blocked a shot in the Atleti box with his arm, only for Rizzoli to blow for a free kick, but Alba was in no mood to use the ref as a scapegoat in his side’s Champions League two-legged, quarter-final defeat.

“We were the best team in the second half,” he said after the game.

“We had chances but now we must focus on the League and [Copa del Rey] final.

“Atletico are always uncomfortable to play against. It’s difficult when they tighten up [at the back], but we still had chances.

“[On Gabi’s handball] I was told that it was a penalty. I also saw it, but they won and that’s it. Now, more than ever, we must be united.

“The referee did well overall. People can say he should’ve awarded a penalty, but they are phases in play which sometimes favour you and harm you in others.

“The referee had nothing to do with the result.”

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