Xavi blasts refereeing "disaster" in Barcelona's Champions League exit

The La Liga champions entered the clash holding a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, and they moved 4-2 ahead in the tie when Raphinha netted in the 12th minute of the game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

However, Ronald Araujo was shown a controversial red card in the 29th minute for a perceived foul on Bradley Barcola, and PSG then went on to score four times, including a double from Kylian Mbappe, to record a 4-1 win on the night and progress to the final four with a 6-4 aggregate success.

Xavi and his goalkeeping coach were also shown red cards by Kovacs in the second period, and the Barcelona head coach has been highly critical of the referee's performance.

«The referee was really bad. I told him his performance was a disaster. I don't like to talk about referees, but it had a clear impact in the season and it has to be said,» Xavi told Movistar Plus.

«We are very upset and angry because the red card was the decisive factor in the match. With 11, we were in a good position, playing well and in command.

»It's too much to flash a red card in a game like this. There was another game after that… it is a pity that the work of the season was ruined by an unnecessary expulsion."

Xavi also insisted that Barcelona 'will be back', but he is still preparing to stand down as head coach of the club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

«We were solid in the Champions League, notable I would say. We have to learn to control small details. Next year we'll be back here. Barca will try again. I'm not important. Next year we'll be back,»