Barcelona's formal protest over a controversial non-call in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid has hit a wall. UEFA has officially dismissed the club's complaint regarding a potential Marc Pubill handball, declaring it "inadmissible."

The incident, which sparked fury from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, occurred in the quarter-final first leg. Following a goal-kick, Atletico's Pubill appeared to handle the ball inside his own six-yard box. Flick vehemently argued for a penalty and a second yellow card, famously questioning the purpose of VAR in his post-match remarks.

While the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules seemed to lend some weight to Barcelona's argument, UEFA's disciplinary body saw it differently. Their brief statement confirmed the complaint's dismissal without providing a specific rationale, effectively closing the book on the matter.

This ruling comes as both teams prepare for the decisive second leg. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has downplayed the refereeing narrative, stating he is "not thinking about officials." A calmer Flick, meanwhile, expressed hope that key decisions might swing his team's way this time around, subtly referencing the Pubill incident as a pivotal moment that favored Atletico in the first match.