€50M Defender Ronald Araujo Blamed for Barcelona’s Champions League Collapse Against Inter!
San Siro meltdown sparks calls for squad overhaul after heartbreaking UCL exit.
Barcelona’s Champions League dream came crashing down in extra time at the San Siro, as a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan (7-6 on aggregate) ended their European run—and head coach Hansi Flick is not holding back.
Despite Barcelona’s heroic fightback from two goals down, it was Davide Frattesi’s decisive strike that sealed the Blaugrana’s fate. But the real drama ignited post-match when Flick publicly blamed €50M center-back Ronald Araujo for critical blunders that led to Inter’s late goals.
Flick’s Fury:
Araujo was caught in two key moments:
1. A moment of hesitation allowed Francesco Acerbi to net a stoppage-time equalizer.
2. He failed to stop the break leading to Frattesi’s match-winner in extra time.
“These are not mistakes you can afford at this level,” Flick reportedly said behind closed doors, expressing doubts over Araujo’s future at the club.
Barcelona’s backline—once the pride of Europe—is now under intense scrutiny. Flick’s comments suggest a brutal summer shake-up, with Araujo possibly on the chopping block, despite his high-profile transfer fee.
The coach’s frustration was compounded by controversial refereeing, including a blatant foul by Dumfries that went unchecked by VAR ahead of Acerbi’s goal. Barcelona now finds itself battling both internal fractures and external injustices.
What’s Next?
Araujo’s place is under threat.
The club’s Champions League aspirations are once again in ruins.
Flick is determined to rebuild—with or wi
thout his high-priced defender.
