Hansi Flick's Barcelona suffered a crucial 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal loss to Atlético Madrid after a pivotal VAR review overturned a yellow card to Pau Cubarsí into a red. The incident occurred in the 44th minute when the hosts led 0-0. On-field referee István Kovács initially showed only a yellow for a challenge on Atlético's Giuliano Simeone, but VAR Christian Dingert recommended a review for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

After several replays, the VAR determined the ball was airborne when Cubarsí tripped Simeone, meaning the attacker wasn't in full control. The on-field referee agreed, sending off the Barcelona defender. Atlético's Julián Álvarez scored the resulting free kick, and Alexander Sørloth added a second goal, sealing a raucous return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.