Good news has been in short supply for Real Madrid fans in recent weeks but Los Blancos supporters couldn’t help poke fun at arch rivals Barcelona following their Champions League elimination last night.
Barca were beaten 4-3 in extra-time by Inter Milan at San Siro after a pulsating semi-final, second leg, exiting the competition 7-6 on aggregate.
It ends the treble dreams of Hansi Flick’s side and arguably increases the importance of Sunday’s Clasico in which Madrid will attempt to make inroads into Barcelona’s four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
Madrid enjoy Barcelona exit
Last night’s defeat was a major setback for the Blaugrana and Madrid’s fans were quick to revel in their misery.
When dawn broke, there were banners adorning the entrance to Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex. One read ‘Reyes de Europa’, or ‘Kings of Europe’, a term used frequently by Madridistas to reflect the fact no club has won more than their 15 European Cup/Champions League crowns.
Another simply stated ‘Grazie Inter.’
🇮🇹 “¡GRAZIE INTER!” 🇮🇹
🪧 Pancartas de agradecimiento en Valdebebas a los equipos que han eliminado al Barça en Champions y Euroliga.
📹@marcosdlarocha pic.twitter.com/d8yKfwmqvP
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 7, 2025
Barcelona lash out at performance of referee Marciniak
Barcelona beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side 3-2 in a bad-tempered Copa del Rey final clash last month – a game which saw Madrid make their displeasure about the match officials clear.
It was Barca’s turn last night with Flick and his players unhappy with the performance of the experienced Szymon Marciniak.
Midfielder Pedri said: “It’s not the first time that this has happened to us with this referee, UEFA should look at it.
“There are things that I don’t understand and they are complicated to explain. All 50-50 [decisions] were for them.”
Defender Inigo Martinez added: “Everyone has seen today that the decisions fell on the same side, but I don’t want this to be talked about.
“In the end he had to make decisions and he made them that way. It’s a shame.”
Let’s focus on the Clasico – Garcia
Eric Garcia attempted to move on quickly, though, and focus on Sunday’s Clasico.
“We have got to get going, we need to be proud,” the former Manchester City defender said.
“Nobody believed in us at the beginning [of the season]. A lot of changes and changing the manager, really young players and we need to be proud.”
