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Referee's Whistle Decides the Night as Barcelona Drill Copenhagen 4-1 in Champions League

29 January 2026

Referee's Whistle Decides the Night as Barcelona Drill Copenhagen 4-1 in Champions League
Barça seal a 4-1 victory over Copenhagen after a disputed penalty.

Match turning moment

Barcelona surged to a 4-1 victory over Copenhagen in the Champions League on a night defined by a late, controversial penalty decision.

In the second half, Lewandowski won a penalty for Barca, and Rafinha calmly converted from the spot, setting the tone for the visitors' late surge.

The decision was questioned by Itoralde Gonzalez, a respected tactical analyst for AS, who stated that the call was not correct and should not have stood.

Barcelona's route to victory

Barça added three more goals after the penalty, with Rafinha's 69th-minute strike marking a key moment as the team closed out the match with authority.

Barça ultimately won 4-1, securing direct qualification to the knockout rounds of the competition.

Aftermath and implications

The result confirmed Barcelona's progress to the Round of 16, while Copenhagen were left to reflect on a tough group-stage exit despite a valiant effort.

Two light punchlines follow the analysis: first, if that penalty had been a sniper, it would have hit the target on the first take; second, the whistle blew with such force that even the VAR asked for a coffee break.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the controversy in the match?

A late penalty awarded to Barcelona by referee Benoît Bastien drew sharp attention and debate over its validity.

Who scored from the penalty and when?

Rafinha converted the spot-kick in the 69th minute, helping Barca extend their lead.

Did Barcelona advance to the knockout rounds?

Yes, the victory secured Barcelona's progression to the Round of 16.

What did the expert analyst say about the decision?

Itoralde Gonzalez argued that the foul and the resulting penalty were not justified.