Ronald Araujo swiftly countered Ilkay Gundogan’s remarks regarding his dismissal in the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona’s quest for Champions League glory was halted by PSG, who knocked them out despite Barcelona’s initial 3-2 victory in the first leg of the quarter-finals in France.
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Raphinha widened Barcelona’s aggregate advantage to 4-2 in the second leg, but Araujo’s red card proved pivotal. His ejection for a tackle on Bradley Barcola turned the tide, allowing PSG to net four goals and clinch a semi-final berth.
Gundogan expressed disappointment over the team’s surrender to PSG and scrutinized Araujo’s choice to engage Barcola in the penalty area.
“You know, in these kind of crucial moments you need to be sure to get the ball,” Guardiola told CBS Sports. “If you don’t, and again I don’t know if he touched the ball or not, you need to stay away. I would prefer to concede a goal there or give the striker 1v1.
“Although, the ball was played quite far ahead so I don’t even know if he would have reached the ball. But, maybe let our goalkeeper save us or even concede a goal because to go a player down so early on just kills your game.”
In his reply to Gundogan’s comments, Araujo remained poised and chose not to escalate the situation into a public argument, though he seemed less than enthused by the critique.
He told reporters: “I prefer to keep what I think to myself. I have codes and values that must be respected.”
But, he tendered an apology to Barcelona fans & said: “I am sad, like all Barcelona fans, because of the red card. The shot was 50-50 and the referee made the decision. It hurts. To the young fans of Barcelona, I tell them we are very sorry and that is how football is.
“We are Barcelona and we have a very good young group, which will fight for the Champions League next year, and I am sure we will bring them a lot of joy.”
Following their exit from the Champions League, Araujo has redirected his attention toward conquering Spain.
A “revenge” match against league leaders Real Madrid awaits, and the Uruguayan is keenly aware that a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday would narrow the deficit to just five points. He is prepared to give his all in pursuit of this crucial win.
“We treat El Clasico as an important revenge,” he said. “We must change our mentality and we have a chance to compete for the league, which is the competition that remains for us. I think we have the chance to win El Clasico. We have to fight the League until the end. If we win, we will cut points. There are mathematical options and we have to fight.”
