FC Barcelona’s complaints about the condition of the pitch at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Despite the Catalan club’s concerns, UEFA has deemed the turf to be within its guidelines, meaning Atletico will not be required to cut it further before the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Reports from Spanish media indicate that while UEFA did review Barcelona’s objections and inspect the length of the grass at the Metropolitano, it was found to comply with the European football governing body’s regulations. This means Atletico will not have to take any additional measures to mow the pitch prior to Tuesday evening’s crucial encounter.
Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, reportedly took issue with the grass length during Monday’s final training session. The German manager is said to have voiced his displeasure to a UEFA delegate present at the time.
While Barcelona did not lodge a formal protest with UEFA, they did express their concerns about the pitch during the mandatory pre-match meeting with representatives from both clubs. UEFA is reported to have referenced its established protocol and assured the Catalan side that the turf would be shortened if necessary.
Barcelona’s Complaint Ineffective: Atletico’s Pitch Likely Complies with Regulations
The grass at the Metropolitano is reportedly 2.6 centimeters long, which falls within UEFA’s statutes allowing for up to three centimeters. Consequently, Atletico will not be required to take any further action before the kick-off at 9 PM.
The condition of the playing surface is of significant importance to Barcelona, as they aim to leverage their superior technical play against Atletico. A shorter pitch, traditionally around 2.3 centimeters at Camp Nou, generally allows players like Lamine Yamal to control and pass the ball more effectively.
Earlier in the season, even prominent Atletico players like Koke and Antoine Griezmann had complained about the pitch at their home stadium. However, the club has since stated that issues related to the cold winter months have been resolved.
Barcelona Aims for Comeback Against Atletico: «We Don’t Need a Miracle»
Following a disappointing 0-2 loss in the first leg against Atletico last week, Barcelona is hoping for a dramatic turnaround. «We have many players who are capable of turning things around, and that’s why I have great confidence in our team,» expressed attacking star Lamine Yamal optimistically on Monday.
Flick emphasized, «We don’t need a miracle, just a good game. We have the quality. We have the players who can change this. Of course, we have to fight, but we have to focus on the extraordinary.»
Barcelona played with ten men for nearly a half in the first leg after center-back Pau Cubarsi received a red card shortly before halftime. Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sörloth scored for Atletico.
Barcelona had previously harbored hopes of a comeback against Atletico in the Copa del Rey this season, but those hopes were ultimately unfulfilled. After a 0-4 loss in the first leg of the semi-final in Madrid in mid-February, Flick’s team showed signs of a comeback in the second leg in early March, securing a 3-0 victory, but it was not enough to advance to the final.