Mikel Obi Slams Barcelona’s ‘Zero Killer Instinct’ After Champions League Exit

Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has hit out at Barcelona for blaming the referee following their Champions League elimination.

After Barcelona lost 3–2 on aggregate to Atlético Madrid, several players and officials criticized the match official’s performance. But the ex-Chelsea midfielder offered a blunt response in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, arguing that Barça’s lack of ruthlessness—not the referee cost them the tie.

“A lot of FC Barcelona fans won’t like what I’m about to say, but it’s the truth,” Mikel said. “You dominated the ball the entire game just to do absolutely nothing with it, and then you shout ‘robbery’ when reality hits you.

“That wasn’t a robbery that was you exposing yourselves by having all the possession and zero killer instinct to show for it. That ‘comeback mentality’ you love to talk about… where was it? Because when the game really needed character, Atlético Madrid had it.

“Ademola Lookman stepped up and decided the match, while Barcelona players were busy shaking hands with the referee as if he was going to change the score for them.”

He added: “They failed to come back against Atlético on two different occasions when they had to play them twice. Now they want to blame the referee for their incompetent style of play. That’s not how it works.”