Sergi Fernandez before a match
/ FCB
Barcelona fell with honor this Sunday in the WSE Champions final against Porto, a side that capitalized on small details to seal the victory. The Portuguese team enjoyed home advantage in a duel held at the packed Dr. Mário Mexia Pavilion in Coimbra, where local fans constantly spurred on the only Portuguese club vying for the title.
The Blaugrana had actually eliminated two Portuguese rivals on their path to the final — Sporting in the quarterfinals and then the powerful Benfica, featuring Pau Bargalló and Joao Rodrigues, in the semifinals. In the title match, Ricard Ares’s side found themselves trailing early as Porto made the most of their power plays to build a 2-0 lead, making the climb steep for Barcelona.
The officiating, handled by Italians Joseph Silecchia and Francesco Stallone, did not help. Under pressure from the crowd, the pair avoided any confrontation and resolved nearly every disputed call in Porto’s favor. Notably, one of the referees even made a resigned gesture when forced to review yet another action on the VAR.
Sergi Fernández embraces Pablo Álvarez after the final
/ FCB
Among those most frustrated by the refereeing criteria was Blaugrana goalkeeper Sergi Fernández. During the match, he was visibly upset when the officials made him leave the rink after he requested medical assistance and then declined it seconds later.
The veteran Barça keeper, who will leave the club at the end of this season, voiced sharp criticism after the game. “Whenever we play a Champions League match here in Portugal, something always happens, always. I’m about to retire, I have no patience left, and I’m tired,” he stated emphatically.
The Mallorcan, backed not only by experience but also by knowledge — as he became a licensed referee himself this year — was blunt. “If I had refereed like that, I would be ashamed. I just don’t understand it.”
To illustrate his point, Sergi Fernández cited several examples. “Three or four years ago, it was the assault on Joao (Rodrigues)’s back that they didn’t see. This year, with the VAR showing only what they wanted, blue cards handed out left and right…” he explained resignedly. “It’s a shame because it’s a beautiful sport, but there’s little we can do.”
Coach Ricard Ares was more measured. “Right now it’s hard for me to assess the decisions, but I do feel we were harmed at several points, or that we were penalized for the slightest infraction. We have to focus on what we can control. The referees, the VAR — all these things complicate things, but we need to concentrate on our own game,” he said.
