Still reeling from their Champions League elimination, Barcelona must now turn their full attention to Sunday’s crucial clash with Real Madrid. El Clásico has become a pivotal fixture that could significantly influence the outcome of the La Liga title race.
A win would push Barcelona closer to clinching the championship, leaving them needing just two more points from their final three games. Even a draw would keep their hopes alive, requiring only five points from the remaining nine. A defeat, however, would blow the title race wide open.
In a rare and striking statement, Barcelona icon Andrés Iniesta publicly warned coach Hansi Flick not to repeat what he called a “disastrous error” made in the loss to Inter Milan — specifically, the decision to start Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.
Known for his level-headed approach, Iniesta was unusually firm in his comments, stating, “Just the idea of Araujo playing in El Clásico brings Madrid closer to winning the title and endangers Barcelona’s entire season.” He went further, suggesting not just dropping Araujo for the match, but removing him from the starting XI entirely going forward.
Iniesta’s remarks come at a tense moment as Barça gears up for a potentially title-deciding showdown. Araujo has faced heavy criticism following his poor showing against Inter, which played a major role in the team’s European exit and damaged his standing with fans and teammates alike.
The legend’s stern message reflects a deep loss of faith in Araujo and signals that his continued presence in the squad could put the rest of the season in jeopardy.
