"Stop Complaining About Referees": Former Real Madrid Star Slams Barcelona

• Mesut Ozil has taken a dig at Barcelona after their UEFA Champions League exit
• The Catalan giants suffered a humiliating defeat in Spain at the hands of PSG
• After Ronald Araujo's red card against PSG, Xavi also received a touchline dismissal

Former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil has criticised FC Barcelona ahead of the El Clasico, urging the Catalans to refrain from complaining about referees.

Los Blancos aim to extend their lead to 11 points over second-placed Barca in the La Liga standings as they host their fierce rivals at the Bernabeu for the next chapter of the super clash.

Both sides were in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this week, with Real Madrid emerging victorious against Manchester City, securing their spot in the competition's final four.

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Meanwhile, Barcelona suffered elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain after a challenging second leg on their home turf.

Ozil lays into Barcelona

During his stint at the Bernabeu, Ozil secured every Spanish trophy, including La Liga, under Jose Mourinho's management.

Madrid and Ozil's collection of trophies together might have been even greater, as he hinted in an interview with MARCA before a crucial Clasico at the Bernabeu on Sunday, which would decide the league title.

"At that time it was the most important match in the world of football," he said, when asked to reminisce about his appearances in the mammoth clash.

"Unfortunately for us, Barca was perhaps the best Barca in history. Pep's [Guardiola] Barca was on another level, certainly different from the current Barca. I think right now at a global level the focus is more on games like Liverpool-Manchester City or other Premier League duels.

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Xavi's tally of yellow and red cards alone sheds light on Barcelona's tendency to overreact to certain referee decisions.

While some calls may indeed be incorrect, they are not the primary cause of Barcelona's struggles this season.

Ozil's impressive footballing career

Making a mark at the 2010 World Cup with Germany, Ozil transferred from Werder Bremen to Los Blancos afterwards.

Three years later, he moved to Arsenal, where he became a fan favourite.

The attacking midfielder played 254 games for the Gunners, scored 44 goals and notched up 79 assists, Transfermarkt reported.

The former World Cup winner officially retired from football in 2023.

Ozil provides an answer to GOAT debate

Sports Brief previously reported how Germany's Mesut Ozil once gave an interesting answer when drawn into the GOAT debate.

The debate over who is greater between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continues to divide people around the world.

The former Arsenal attacking midfielder played alongside Ronaldo for three seasons at Real Madrid and had high praise for CR7.