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.
