Barcelona Midfielder Gundogan Blames Araujo’s Error for Champions League Quarter-Final Loss

Barcelona Midfielder Gundogan Blames Araujos Error for Champions League Quarter Final
Barcelona Midfielder Gundogan Blames Araujos Error for Champions League Quarter Final

Barcelona midfielder, Ilkay Gündogan, has pointed out that Ronald Araujo’s mistake ultimately cost them the Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Gündogan expressed his frustration, stating that they gave the game away “in the most simple manner.” The first leg in Paris had ended with Barça leading 3-2, and Raphinha had put them ahead in the 12th minute at the Olympic Stadium. However, their hopes were dashed when Araújo was shown a red card for a last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola just half an hour into the game.

Reflecting on the crucial moment, Gündogan commented, “If he fouled him, I guess it’s a red card. It’s difficult to say, in these crucial moments, you need to be sure to get the ball. If you don’t get it, and I don’t know if he did, you have to stay away.”

He further added, “I prefer to concede a goal there or to leave the striker one on one, even though he played the ball quite far ahead, so I don’t know if he would reach the ball. But let the goalkeeper have a chance to save us or even concede a goal. To get a red card, to go a player down so early, it just kills the game.”

As a result of Araujo’s red card, PSG managed to turn the game around and secure a 4-1 victory on the night, advancing 6-4 on aggregate to set up a semi-final clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Gündogan’s candid assessment of the situation highlights the impact of Araujo’s error on Barcelona’s Champions League campaign. The midfielder’s insights provide a glimpse into the intense pressure and high stakes of elite football competitions.

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