Ronald Araujo has claimed responsibility for Barcelona's defeat against Inter but wants to bounce back with a win against rivals Real Madrid.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Barcelona lost 7-6 to Inter on aggregateAraujo’s mistakes were costly for CatalansHansi Flick's side face huge Madrid test nextFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Araujo received some backlash from fans on social media after Barca's Champions League loss in midweek, being blamed for Inter's third and fourth goals at the San Siro. In his latest post on Instagram, the defender backed himself and his team to return to winning ways against rivals Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Thanks to goals from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo and Raphinha, Barcelona were able to overturn a 2-0 deficit and lead the game and the tie 6-5 on aggregate. However, coming on as a substitute for Inigo Martinez in the 76th minute, Araujo failed to provide adequate defensive cover as Inter progressed to the final in Munich.
His display angered some supporters, who gave him a barrage of abuse and prompted the defender to limit replies on his social media accounts. Now, he has a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of fans when Barcelona return to the domestic action in a crucial game against Madrid in a potential title-decider.
WHAT RONALD ARAUJO SAID
Accepting the criticism, Araujo said: "I accept it and I acknowledge it. I’ve never been one to hide, and I never will be… It hurts to be out, but this doesn’t end here. We worked, we fought, and we gave everything in a very tough series. It wasn’t enough, and that hurts."
The defender added: "But I also feel proud. Proud of this team. Of my teammates, of the crest we represent, and of every ‘culé’ who stood with us every step of the way. During 2025, we showed, as a team and as a fan base, the winning mentality we have. El Clásico is coming, and we’re going to give it our all. We are Barça, we’ll come back stronger."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Barcelona welcome Carlo Ancelotti's men to the Estadio Olimpic Lluis with a four-point La Liga lead over them, with just four games left to play this season. A win would almost clinch the title for the Catalans, but a defeat could mean they will need to avoid any slip-ups in their remaining three fixtures.