Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny commented on the refereeing controversy that arose after Barcelona's loss to Inter Milan with a score of 4-3 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, asserting his refusal to hold the referee responsible for the defeat, despite the significant criticism directed at Polish referee Szymon Marciniak from Barcelona fans and media.

Szczęsny said: "Everyone talks about the refereeing after a loss, but I see no benefit in making excuses; we must accept the result." He added: "I was close to the Lautaro and Koulibaly incident, and I didn't see a touch, but it seems that Pau didn't touch the ball, which is why the penalty was awarded."

Despite the elimination, Szczęsny expressed pride in the team's performance, stating: "We played our way and deserved to qualify. I feel sad but proud of what the young players have shown; the future is ahead of them, and they will win the championship in the coming years."

He concluded: "We don't need motivation before the Clasico; it is a match that could decide the league. We will be physically and mentally ready to fight and win."

Barcelona is preparing to face Real Madrid next Sunday at Montjuïc Stadium, in a decisive round of the Spanish league, at 5:15 PM Cairo time.