"‘They Didn’t Want Us in the Final’ – Gavi Slams Officiating After Barcelona’s Champions League Heartbreak"

Gavi Reacts Fiercely After Barcelona's Heartbreaking Champions League Exit

After Barcelona’s dramatic 4–3 extra-time defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday morning, young midfield star Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known as Gavi, didn’t hold back his emotions. Taking to Instagram shortly after the final whistle, the 19-year-old vented his frustration in a fiery post that has since caught widespread attention.

Gavi’s message struck a defiant tone, suggesting that the Blaugrana were unfairly denied a place in the final. "Es muy duro, y más sabiendo lo cerca que estábamos, culés. No han querido que llegásemos a la final porque con la temporada que estamos haciendo estaban cagados," he wrote. Translated, he said: "It’s very hard, especially knowing how close we were, culés. They didn’t want us to reach the final because, with the season we’re having, they were scared."

His choice of words—particularly the phrase “no han querido” (“they didn’t want”)—hinted at dissatisfaction with the officiating or external influences. Though he didn’t directly call out referees or officials, the insinuation was clear: Gavi believes Barcelona were robbed of their chance at European glory.

Yet amid the frustration, the teenager also struck a note of resilience. “Estoy seguro que la ganaremos si estamos todos juntos como siempre lo estamos,” he added—“I’m sure we’ll win it if we all stay together as we always do. I know it will come.”

Despite their European heartbreak, Gavi reminded fans of what the team has already accomplished this season. With both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey already in the bag, Barcelona now turn their attention to a potential domestic treble as they prepare to face Real Madrid this weekend.

The midfielder rallied supporters for one final push: "A reventar Montjuïc este domingo y a ganar." ("Let’s pack Montjuïc this Sunday and go for the win.")