Jobaaj Stories
Barca's Araujo Responds to Fan Backlash After Inter Milan UCL Exit
Barcelona's Champions League dream ended dramatically in a thrilling 7-6 aggregate defeat to Inter Milan. The fallout saw defender Ronald Araujo become a target for frustrated fans, leading to calls for his sale. However, Araujo has fired back, defending his performance and the team's effort.
Araujo's Defence
Following Tuesday's semi-final second leg, Araujo addressed criticism leveled at him for his role in two of Inter's goals. Speaking to RAC1, he stated, “On the fourth goal, I was in front and it was the striker’s luck. As for the third, I should have been better, but it’s football.” He displayed a resilient attitude, emphasizing the need to “keep your head up and keep moving forward.”
Bench Role and Recent Form
Araujo's situation is complex. After a 147-day hamstring injury layoff, he's seemingly fallen out of favor, benched for both legs against Inter and the Copa del Rey final. Despite being co-captain and a key player in previous seasons, his 23 appearances this season, averaging 62 minutes each, reflect a diminished role. This, coupled with the high-profile errors against Inter, fueled fan anger.
Inter Milan's Triumph
Inter Milan’s victory was a stunning upset, capped off by Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner. The 7-6 aggregate scoreline reflects a match of incredible highs and lows for both teams. Lautaro Martinez’s early goals and Francesco Acerbi’s late equalizer were crucial moments in Inter's comeback victory, showcasing their determination and resilience. The win propels them into the Champions League final, where they’ll face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain. Inter's triumph is a testament to their tactical prowess and team spirit, especially considering their recent struggles in Serie A.
Looking Ahead
While Barcelona’s Champions League campaign is over, the season continues. Manager Hansi Flick delivered an encouraging speech to his players, emphasizing their hard work and promising a stronger return. The focus now shifts to La Liga, where a crucial El Clasico against Real Madrid awaits. The team, fueled by the talent of young stars like Lamine Yamal, aims to secure the league title and recover from this setback.
