Barcelona have secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals, but their qualification came with serious concerns. While they dominated the first leg with a 4-0 victory, their 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the return leg at Signal Iduna Park exposed critical flaws.
The team’s lackluster display has sparked growing unease within the Barcelona camp, casting doubt on their readiness to go all the way in the competition.
The loss in Germany served as a reality check. Borussia Dortmund, full of energy and tactical discipline, outplayed Barcelona for large stretches of the game.
Although the aggregate scoreline ensured Barca’s advancement, the manner of their defeat raised red flags about their form and mentality. It became evident that Barcelona, despite their talent, still have work to do if they intend to lift the Champions League trophy.
One of the main talking points following the match was the performance of Ronald Araújo. According to reports from El Nacional, the Uruguayan centre-back came under intense scrutiny from both fans and teammates.
His display was marred by poor ball control, weak defensive duels, and lapses in concentration. These shortcomings were not just disappointing—they sparked a broader conversation about whether Araújo should retain his starting role in key matches.
Key figures in the squad, including Robert Lewandowski, reportedly expressed their concerns directly to manager Hansi Flick. They urged him to prioritize the more dependable centre-back pairing of Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí.
The duo has shown strong chemistry and stability, qualities that Araújo has failed to consistently display throughout the season.
While Araújo’s dedication and talent are not in question, the standards of elite European football demand more than just potential. The players understand this, and there’s a shared belief that fielding him in high-pressure matches could jeopardize their campaign. Flick, aware of these issues, hinted at upcoming tactical changes, subtly pointing to the need for defensive reliability moving forward.
The mood in the dressing room is now clear: emotion must take a backseat to performance. Araújo’s position in the starting eleven is no longer guaranteed. If Barcelona hope to avoid another scare like the one in Dortmund, tough decisions must be made. The Champions League leaves no margin for error, and Flick is under pressure to act accordingly.
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