Real Madrid playmaker Xabi: Ref wrecked chances with unfair Pepe dismissal
Xabi Alonso says the dismissal of Real Madrid teammate Pepe handed the game to Barcelona last night.
Xabi was almost booked by ref Wolfgang Stark after the final whistle for complaining about the match official's performance.
"The referee's decision to expel Pepe I think was unfair. It has changed the rest of the game and from minute 60 it was a different one."
"I do not think there's been a lack of quality from Madrid. We were very much in the tie and in the game, especially knowing that we could not allow them to score at our home."
"But after Messi's goal this has changed things for us."