UEFA makes call on Barcelona’s pitch concerns at Metropolitano

UEFA has made a decision regarding Barcelona’s concerns over the pitch conditions at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.

The matter had intensified after Hansi Flick was seen talking to UEFA officials about the grass during Barcelona’s final training session, with images of the German manager inspecting the turf circulating widely.

Barcelona’s staff wanted to ensure that the conditions would not unfairly disrupt the ball movement and tempo, given their reliance on quick, short passing.

UEFA has now clarified that the Metropolitano pitch complies with tournament regulations and that no official complaint from Barcelona has been accepted; instead, the club’s remarks were treated as concerns raised during the standard pre‑match briefing involving both teams and the match delegate, according to RAC1.

The governing body confirmed that it will follow its usual protocol, which includes the right to instruct Atletico to cut the grass if measurements exceed the 3‑centimetre limit anywhere on the surface.

Officials have reassured Barcelona that the field will be monitored and, if needed, adjusted before training and the match itself, meaning there is no current reason to question the venue’s suitability.

Atletico, for their part, have pushed back against the narrative, insisting that the Metropolitano has met UEFA standards and that Barcelona were even allowed to train there without issue.

The Madrid side argues that the recent milder weather has improved the grass, which is now in better condition than it was a month earlier.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has echoed UEFA’s stance, expressing optimism that the matter will be settled smoothly and confirming that the club’s anxieties are gradually easing.

In the end, UEFA’s response has effectively closed the discussion while still leaving room for small, last‑minute pitch tweaks if inspectors deem them necessary.

For Barcelona, that means focusing on tactics and performance rather than challenging the legitimacy of the surface, even as the intense atmosphere around the Metropolitano clash continues to grow.