After Barcelona eliminated Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with Wednesday’s 2-2 draw, Real Madrid players, who collected eight yellows and a red card in the game, once again complained bitterly after the refereeing.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, caught speaking off camera after the game, said Real Madrid’s players “are unbelievable -- they don’t know how to lose.”

Real Madrid has beaten Barca just once in the last 14 meetings.

Xavi’s comments will do little to calm the tense rivalry: He labeled Madrid players “animals” for their physical challenges.