Why Ronald Araujo was blamed for Barcelona's Champions League exit
Context:
Barcelona's exit from the Champions League semifinals was marked by a dramatic and chaotic second-leg match against Inter Milan, ending in a 4-3 defeat and a 7-6 aggregate loss. Ronald Araujo, wearing the captain's armband, was at the center of criticism due to defensive lapses that allowed Inter to equalize and eventually win in extra time. Araujo's performance reignited frustrations from fans, recalling past mistakes, and his position in the team is now under scrutiny. Despite attempts to remain optimistic about the team's future potential, fans remain skeptical and vocal about changes needed. The fallout has cast doubt on Araujo's future at Barcelona, especially with the upcoming critical match against Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Dive Deeper:
Barcelona's Champions League hopes were dashed in a 4-3 loss to Inter Milan, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate defeat that ended their journey at the semifinals stage. The match was filled with tension, goals, and a sense of urgency, as Barcelona initially fought back from a 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2.
Ronald Araujo, wearing the captain's armband, was criticized for his defensive errors, which allowed Inter to score an equalizer during stoppage time and the winning goal in extra time. His performance was a key factor in Barcelona's inability to maintain their lead.
The match was reminiscent of Araujo's previous high-profile mistakes, such as his red card against PSG, and fans were quick to blame him for the team's repeated Champions League shortcomings.
Post-match, Araujo attempted to reassure fans of the team's potential for future success with its young talent, but many fans expressed their dissatisfaction and called for his transfer, citing him as part of a 'loser era' alongside other players.
As Barcelona prepares for El Clasico, Araujo's place in the team and his future with the club are uncertain, with his recent performance casting doubt on his reliability in crucial matches.
Barcelona’s Champions League journey came to a painful halt in Milan. The second leg against Inter was chaotic, dramatic, and for one man — costly. Ronald Araujo, wearing the captain’s armband, found himself at the center of a storm once again.
The 4-3 defeat (7-6 on aggregate) knocked Barca out of the semifinals in heartbreaking fashion. It wasn’t just the scoreline that hurt. It was the manner of the collapse. And for many fans, Araujo was the reason dreams turned into dust.
The match had everything — goals, comebacks, and a stadium buzzing with noise. After being 2-0 down, Barcelona fought back to lead 3-2.
But with Inter pressing late on, it was Araujo’s defensive lapses that proved fatal.
He was slow to react to 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi, who headed in the equalizer during stoppage time.
Then in extra time, Araujo allowed Marcus Thuram too much space. That led to Davide Frattesi scoring the winner, leaving fans furious.
Fan react to Ronald Araujo's performance against Inter
Araujo came off the bench in the 76th minute to help shut the door. Instead, he left it wide open.This isn’t the first time he’s been blamed in a big game. Fans haven’t forgotten his red card against PSG last season. Another Champions League run cut short, another finger pointed his way.
Speaking after the match, Araujo said, "This Barca team, without a doubt, will be able to win many Champions League trophies in the next few years with this magnificent group of young players."
It was meant to lift spirits. But online, many fans weren’t buying it.
One fan wrote on social media, “Sell Araujo. How many times have I said this?” Another fumed, “Araujo and De Jong are part of the loser era. It’s time to move on.”
Barcelona must now pick themselves up for El Clasico. But Araujo’s place in the lineup — and in the club’s future — is under serious doubt.
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