Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal: The Referee And Robin Van Persie
A 1-0 win at the Camp Nou for Barcelona would have been enough for Pep Guardiola’s men to eliminate Arsenal from the UEFA Champions League. Yet, the Spanish giants got an even better score line—although not in the purest manner.
Still, assimilating the idea that the Catalans cheated remains a very delicate thing which should only be done after the discovery of convincing evidences; and looking at yesterday’s match, there was no way anyone could brand the hosts as “the cheaters” (see first leg controversy). Certainly not, but perhaps, the English media are allowed to believe that—by thwarting Arsenal—Referee Massimo Busacca made sure the end result fell in Barcelona’s favour.
Van Persie’s controversial red card
It was apparent the Dutchman was a key member of the Arsenal line-up in the return leg, being the scorer of his side’s equalizer at the Emirates Stadium in mid-February against the Blaugrana. Surely, the Gunners were dominated at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night; however, they managed to show signs of life through a stunning second-half leveller that popped-up via an own goal from Sergio Busquets on 53 minutes.
It was only 3 minutes after the brief revelry of English fans that tragedy brusquely shattered Arsenal’s night for good. For some reasons, Van Persie played on after the referee had blown his whistle for offside; and although the striker tried to explain to the official that he had not heard the screech, he was given his second yellow card of the evening, and eventually sent off.
This further destabilized an already unimpressive Arsenal side, who then only had to await extra punishment from Barcelona’s hungry men. Indeed, the hosts went on to concede no additional goal, while they netted 2 more—suppressing the 10-men side with a 3-1 triumph.
Barcelona-Arsenal, Red Card, And The Past
Almost 5 years ago, a red card also smacked Arsenal’s side in their game against Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final. In this match, the reduction of the Gunners’ men on the field took place after only 18 minutes of play; goalkeeper Jens Lehmann being the victim.
The German goalie was accused of grabbing the legs of superstar Samuel Eto’o inside the penalty area during an attack. Nevertheless, despite the fact that winger Giuly ended the Cameroonian’s assault by sweeping the ball at the back of the net, appointed referee Terje Hauge still thought justice needed to be done on behalf of Barcelona.
As a result, the play was reversed, the goal was cancelled, Lehmann received a straight red card, and Coach Arsene Wenger was forced to send in the then-second choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. By some means, the English titans managed to steal the lead through Sol Campbell on 37 minutes, but the second half just proved to be too hard for the substitute keeper—who ultimately conceded 2 goals from Eto’o and Belletti.
This did not only take away the win from Arsenal in the final, but also did it put an end to their record of 10 consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League that season. The Catalans finally held the European trophy for another time in their club’s history, but somewhere, the referee was to blame for the Gunners’ misfortune.
Video Highlights – London Sides: Barcelona’s Weakness?
During Frank Rijkaard’s days at Barcelona, it looked like the Blaugrana were often victimized by London clubs—or specifically, by Chelsea. Under Pep Guardiola though, things appear to be quite different.
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona Video Highlights: Impure Triumph
Probably, neither side have forgotten this classic battle. In an encounter where Barcelona needed at least a non-goalless draw or a victory to progress into the 2009/10 Champions League final, Pep’s soldiers gave their all at the Stamford Bridge to turn their wildest dreams into reality.
With Michael Essien putting the Blues ahead after just 9 minutes, it was clear things were drifting in the hosts’ way; but somehow, Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo controlled his decisions well enough to ensure Los Cules stayed in the match throughout. Abruptly, out of nowhere, Andres Iniesta lashed in a late equalizer which saw Barca join Manchester United in the final.
Barcelona vs Arsenal Video Highlights – 2009/10: Sad Withdrawal
Arsenal lost 6-3 to Barcelona on aggregate in last season’s Champions League, and in terms of fair play, their defeat seemed somewhat unmerited. The 2 giants settled for a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, but midfielder Cesc Fabregas suffered a serious injury subsequent to a bad tackle from Carles Puyol, which forced him out of the return leg clash.
The Barca defender was immediately shown red, but his absence had very little impact in the second leg at the Camp Nou. An outstanding performance from Lionel Messi was enough to give the home side a crushing 4-1 victory over Arsene Wenger’s helpless boys.
Barcelona’s Lack Of Wholesomeness Against London Sides
Since the summer of 2008, we have seen Barcelona impose themselves on elite clubs from Germany, France, Spain, and England with ease, and with comprehensibility. But it has not been precisely the case against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Indeed, looking at the most recent meetings between these London clubs and the Catalans, it appears Barca often need outlandish decisions from officials before getting the upper hand. It might be unknown if such an impression is simply formed out of coincidences; but regardless, English supporters are left with the belief that referees tend to have more respect for Barcelona than for their country’s clubs.
Whether true or false, La Liga leaders do not look willing to prove anything to the public, and as far as one can tell, Tuesday’s 3-1 victory was apparently the bottom line of their full power at home. Now, Barcelona seem to have obtained a huge boost of mental strength to continue their journey to success, and with Londoners Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea likely to go far in Europe too this season, who knows what the Champions League’s upcoming stages will bring?
In any case, another draw for Los Cules with a team from England’s capital would give UEFA a chance to place a decent and impartial referee, this time around. A different upshot is likely to keep the Gunners’ fans in doubt over Barcelona’s worthiness of a place in the quarterfinals, while Referee Massimo Busacca might never be forgiven among Arsenal’s most loyal followers.
