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.
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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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