Chelsea thrashed a ten-man Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League, fueled by a controversial goal and a masterclass from former Barça player Marc Cucurella, leaving Hansi Flick’s side furious and defeated.
According to a report from The Chelsea Chronicle, frustration rippled through the bench of FC Barcelona after what appeared to be a controversial first goal conceded in their 3–0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea.
The goal, recorded as an own goal via a deflection by Jules Koundé in the 27th minute, followed a cross by Marc Cucurella — and Barcelona’s staff initially believed he was in an offside position.
As tempers flared on the visiting bench, doubts over the legitimacy of the goal threatened to stain the night. But a post-play graphic from UEFA eventually showed that the build-up was completely within the laws of the game, prompting the club to reluctantly accept the goal stood.
The match unravelled further for the Spanish side when captain Ronald Araújo was sent off just before halftime — turning the tie decisively in Chelsea’s favour.
In the second half, Chelsea doubled and then tripled their lead through strikes from Estevao Willian and Liam Delap respectively, leaving Barcelona in ruins.
For Barcelona, the night will be remembered not only for the heavy defeat but also for the emotional outburst on the bench — a scene born from perceived injustice that was later overturned by technology.