Barcelona’s recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League semi-finals left a deep mark on the club, both emotionally and structurally. The defeat did not pass quietly, as it triggered a series of internal evaluations and swift decisions among the club’s leadership.
Despite putting in a commendable performance against Inter Milan — a side that seemed to have luck on their side — Barcelona’s inability to secure victory led to significant criticism and tough repercussions within the squad.
Hansi Flick’s team had taken a 3-2 lead by the 87th minute and appeared to be on the brink of reaching the final. However, defensive lapses allowed Inter Milan to equalize just two minutes before full-time and eventually grab a winning goal in extra time. This late collapse caused frustration among fans, players, and officials alike, sparking immediate internal reviews and player assessments.
One of the main figures to come under fire was Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo. Brought on as a second-half substitute for Inigo Martinez, Araujo struggled to impose himself in the match.
His defensive positioning and awareness were called into question, particularly during Inter’s final two goals, where he was seen as failing to provide the necessary cover and stability at the back. This disappointing display drew sharp criticism from both the coaching staff and club officials.
Young defender Hector Fort also faced severe scrutiny for his performance. According to reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional, Fort’s short appearance exposed serious flaws in his readiness for top-level competition. Coming on in the eighth minute of extra time to replace Eric Garcia — who had played well — Fort appeared overwhelmed by the occasion. He made several poor decisions, seemed nervous, and struggled with his positioning.
His inability to help manage the game’s tempo and maintain possession in such critical moments was labeled by club insiders as “unforgivable” for a team aiming to challenge for major trophies.
As a result of this disappointing showing, club sources revealed that Hector Fort has been added to Barcelona’s transfer list. The management reportedly believes that his current abilities do not meet the standards required for first-team football at the club.
In contrast, Eric Garcia has managed to solidify his place as a dependable backup option to Jules Kounde, earning praise for his defensive consistency, tactical discipline, and ability to read the game effectively.
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