Barcelona’s vice-captain Ronald Araujo has publicly shouldered the blame for the team’s heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, which ended their European campaign with a 7-6 aggregate loss. The Uruguayan defender, who came off the bench in the 76th minute, was implicated in Inter’s final two goals—a stoppage-time equalizer by Francesco Acerbi and a decisive extra-time strike by Davide Frattesi. Despite facing intense criticism from fans and media, Araujo remains defiant, vowing to lead his team to victory in the upcoming El Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, May 11.
The loss at San Siro was a bitter pill for Barcelona, who had staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead on the night. Araujo’s substitution, prompted by Inigo Martinez’s discomfort, proved costly. Acerbi outjumped him for Inter’s third goal, and Araujo was dragged out of position by Marcus Thuram, allowing Frattesi to secure the winner. Spanish outlets like AS and Sport were scathing in their assessments, with some fans calling for the 26-year-old’s transfer to clubs like Juventus or Bayern Munich, who have reportedly shown interest. Social media backlash was so severe that Araujo limited comments on his accounts.
In a heartfelt message to supporters, Araujo refused to shy away from responsibility. “I’ve never been one to hide and never will,” he said, acknowledging his errors. “In 2025, we’ve proven both as a team and as fans the winning mentality we have. El Clasico is coming, and we’ll play with everything we’ve got. We are Barcelona, and we’ll come back stronger.” His words followed a team-bonding session on Thursday, aimed at lifting morale after the midweek disappointment.
The defeat has sparked broader concerns about Araujo’s future at the club. Despite a contract renewal until 2031, his €65 million release clause, active for the first ten days of the 2025 summer transfer window, has fueled speculation. Reports suggest Barcelona’s faith in Araujo has waned, with his tactical shortcomings in high-stakes European matches drawing scrutiny. A previous red card against Paris Saint-Germain last season and public criticism from teammate Ilkay Gundogan are still fresh in the dressing room’s memory.
Yet, Araujo’s focus is firmly on the present. Barcelona, leading La Liga, host Real Madrid in a match that could see them open a seven-point gap at the top with only three games remaining. A victory would not only edge them closer to the title but also serve as a powerful response to their Champions League exit. “This doesn’t end here,” Araujo declared, signaling his intent to rally his teammates. Manager Hansi Flick, while frustrated with refereeing decisions in the Inter match, has urged the squad to channel their energy into the Clasico, a sentiment echoed by midfielder Pedri and young star Lamine Yamal.