Barcelona ask UEFA to inspect Metropolitano pitch ahead of decisive Champions League tie

Barcelona ask UEFA to inspect Metropolitano pitch ahead of decisive Champions League tie

Tensions are already running high ahead of Barcelona’s decisive European night, but the focus has shifted away from tactics and onto the pitch itself.

According to reports from MARCA, Barcelona have formally asked UEFA to conduct an inspection of the playing surface at the Metropolitano Stadium before their clash with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The issue centres around the height of the grass, something Barcelona believe could directly impact the tempo of the game.

Flick’s discontent with the grass

The concern did not come out of nowhere, as Hansi Flick was visibly uneasy during the pre-match inspection, with images showing him closely examining the pitch.

As reported before, Flick took matters a step further by raising the issue directly with a UEFA official.

The German coach was particularly concerned about how the surface might affect ball movement, knowing that longer grass can significantly slow down play, something that does not suit Barcelona’s quick, possession-based approach.

UEFA protocol could force changes

As such, Barcelona’s complaint was not dismissed.

According to the same report, UEFA acknowledged the request and confirmed that there is a clear protocol in place for such situations.

If necessary, the governing body will measure the pitch and ensure it meets regulations.

Crucially, the rules state that grass height must not exceed 3 centimetres uniformly across the surface.

If that limit is breached, adjustments can be enforced before both training sessions and the match itself.

As per the guidelines, “If the referee or the UEFA delegate deems it necessary, the home club may be required to reduce the length of the grass for the match and training sessions.”

Atletico’s position on pitch condition

On the other side, Atletico Madrid have strongly rejected any suggestion of irregularity.

The club insists that the pitch is maintained at its usual standard and fully complies with UEFA requirements.

They have also pointed out that the surface has improved significantly in recent weeks after earlier issues caused by cold weather conditions.

Within Atletico, they feel that if the pitch did not meet regulations, UEFA would not have approved it for use, nor allowed Barcelona to train on it ahead of the match.

Whether this situation is purely technical or part of the psychological battle that often surrounds high-stakes European ties remains open to interpretation.

What is certain, however, is that even the smallest details are now under the microscope.