Atlético Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday was marred by a contentious VAR decision that overturned Gerard Martín's red card, sparking immediate backlash from Diego Simeone. The referee initially showed a red for Martín's challenge on Thiago Almada, but VAR downgraded it to a yellow, allowing Barça to avoid playing with 10 men in the crucial second half. Simeone called the decision 'a mistake' and demanded clarification from the referees' committee, citing a similar incident in February where Betis' player received a red for a comparable tackle. 'For everyone who understands football, it's a red card,' defender Robin Le Normand added, questioning the inconsistency.

Barcelona's win extended their LaLiga lead to seven points, though Atlético's squad rotation – resting Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman – may have cost them control. The result intensifies the title race as both teams prepare for a Champions League quarterfinal rematch on Wednesday.