Barcelona and Inter played out a thriller in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
After an epic first leg in Spain, which ended 3-3 and saw Erling Haaland publicly fall in love with Lamine Yamal, the European giants played out another classic in Italy on Tuesday, with the Serie A side reaching the final after a 4-3 win, courtesy of an extra-time winner from Davide Frattesi.
Barcelona were so close to booking their spot in the biggest game in European football; however, a 93rd-minute equaliser from Francesco Acerbi proved to be the turning point for that dream.
Many Barcelona fans are pointing towards the defending of Ronald Araujo in both goals and supporters of the Catalan club are now agreeing with what Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan said about the defender last year.
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Ilkay Gundogan criticises Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo
Araujo was once tipped to become one of the best centre-backs in the world, but injuries have had a big impact on his career, evident again this season.
Hansi Flick has not relied on the Uruguayan for Barcelona’s big games throughout the current campaign and against Inter, the 26-year-old came off the bench during the 76th minute, and made errors during the Italian side’s final two goals.
This has Barcelona fans reflecting on what Gundogan said about the defender whilst at Barcelona last season, in which the Man City star seemed to criticise the centre-back’s football IQ after a red card he received against PSG in the Champions League.
In April 2024, Araujo was dismissed in the 29th minute of the second leg of a quarter-final tie between Barcelona and PSG.
Barca had won the first leg in Paris 3-2 and led 1-0 at Montjuic following a Raphinha goal, but the red card for the Uruguayan proved to be a turning point in the tie, which brought on criticism from Gundogan after the contest.
“We were in such a good position after the first goal we scored (to go 4-2 up on aggregate),” Gundogan said via The Athletic. “It was all in our hands. We just gave it away to PSG in the most simple manner, and that’s the most disappointing part.
“If Araujo fouled (Bradley) Barcola, I guess it’s a red card. I have not seen the replay yet so I don’t know if he got the ball, but it’s difficult to say. In these crucial moments, you need to be sure to get the ball. If you don’t get it, you have to stay away.
“Of course, I would have preferred to concede a goal there, or give the striker a one v one against (goalkeeper Marc-Andre) Ter Stegen. Going down to 10 men with so much time to play just killed us.”
This created an issue between the two Barcelona stars at the time as Araujo would respond by saying he respects “codes and values” in response to his teammate, but in the end, the duo made up.
Barcelona fans now all agree with Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan has often displayed his leadership qualities throughout his career, while Bernardo Silva named the Man City star as the most intelligent he has ever played with.
The midfielder knows exactly how football needs to be played and after Araujo’s mistakes in Barcelona’s Champions League exit at the hands of Inter, fans of the La Liga giants are all in agreement with the German regarding the defender.
One Barcelona fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Araujo’s football IQ is the equivalent of a donkey.”
A third Barca supporter wrote: “He (Gundogan) was right. Araujo has cost Barca 2 Champions Leagues.”
Another Barcelona fan stated: “Araujo isn’t a Barcelona type of player.”
While a final supporter of the La Liga leaders said: “Araujo goes blank under severe pressure and I expect Flick should know this! He cost us last year and now again!”
Last night was a rough one in the career of Araujo, but the Uruguayan star will bounce back and show the world just how good a defender he can be.
