Young defender takes responsibility after costly sending-off, while support pours in and tensions rise before the return game.
Piqué to Barcelona’s apologetic Cubarsi: “You’ll smash them in the second leg”
The fallout from the Champions League quarterfinal first leg between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid shows no sign of fading. Barça now face the daunting task of overturning a 2-0 deficit at the Metropolitano, and Pau Cubarsí – one of the central figures of the night after his red card left his team down to 10 men – has stepped forward to take responsibility.
Cubarsi takes responsibility
“One moment changes the game and the tie. That’s football, and I take responsibility for the result. There’s still a long way to go in this two-leg matchup, and we’re more united than ever: we’re a family and we’ve always shown it. Moving forward, with effort and determination, we will never give up,” he wrote on social media.
His message quickly drew responses from teammates and former Barça players. Gerard Piqué was among those who replied, already turning his attention to the return leg: “Keep your head held high, legend. You’ll smash them in the second leg.”
That comment has sparked backlash among Atlético Madrid supporters, who did not take kindly to the tone and are now eagerly anticipating Tuesday’s clash.
Cubarsí also received support from within the current squad. Pedri kept it simple: “Together, Cubarsí,” while former player Marc Crosas added: “You’re huge, and you’ll be playing in the semifinals.” Former presidential candidate Víctor Font also chimed in with blue-and-red hearts.
There are still a few days to go before the second leg, but the temperature around the tie is already rising fast.
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