Luis Suarez is building up a reputation of someone who has trouble controlling his temperament issues during big games. His recent troubles with his temperament resurfaced again during Barcelona’s clash against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final Champions League clash. The Uruguayan most recently left his mark on fellow countryman and Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin in the Champions League quarter-final played at the Vicente Calderon.
In what was a hard-fought game that saw Atletico Madrid advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Suarez elbowed Diego Godin just above the eye while trying to reach a cross from Arda Turan in the 69th minute. Uruguayan centre-back Diego Godin was left with a damaged face and a huge swelling above his eye. A scuffle ensued between the players and Suarez was only booked for what was clearly a red card offence.
In the first leg played at the Nou Camp, Suarez had kicked out at Juanfran and also elbowed Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis. He somehow did not get sent off for either offence in the first leg as well.
Also read: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Barcelona : 5 Talking Points
Suarez has a penchant for disciplinary issues. He has previously been banned for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in the Premier League and Italian centre-back Georgio Chiellini in the World Cup. He had also infamously saved a shot with his hands against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup.
Talismanic forward Lionel Messi has not scored in over 400 minutes of football. This dry run has coincided with Barcelona’s loss in form. They have failed to win their last three league games. This loss in form has seen them getting knocked out of the Champions League and their lead in La Liga has reduced to just 3 points ahead of second placed Atletico Madrid.
FC Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League following the 2-0 loss at the Vicente Calderon (3-2 on aggregate after winning the first leg 2-1). Manager Luis Enrique said that Barcelona were in a “bad moment” and he was solely to blame for their results.
