The match showcased a rollercoaster of emotions, oscillating between frustration, excitement, and sheer madness.

Despite Barcelona’s defeat in yet another Champions League semi-final, they demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience, only to be hindered by a player who arguably should not hold the captaincy; Ronald Araujo.

Considered insufficient to secure a starting position by Hansi Flick, the Uruguayan defender, who has attracted interest from various teams over the past year and a half, clearly illustrated why Inigo Martinez is often the preferred choice in defense.

After staging an incredible comeback from a 2-0 deficit—marking the second instance in one week where Barcelona has achieved such a feat against Inter Milan—Araujo’s failure to position himself correctly against Francesco Acerbi, the oldest player on the field at 37, resulted in allowing the defender to score an equalizer in injury time.

The fourth goal from Inter also seemed easily preventable. Araujo was in close proximity yet appeared motionless, failing to either block the shot or at least attempt to intervene.

He simply observed as the ball sailed past Wojciech Szczesny, the goalkeeper.

It’s worth remembering that this same Uruguayan center-back received a red card against Paris Saint-Germain during the 2023/24 season, significantly diminishing Barcelona’s chances of advancing in the tournament last year.

While it’s challenging to criticize the team as a whole—especially since they have faltered in previous crucial UCL matches where they squandered three-goal leads—they fought valiantly until they could go no further.

On another occasion, Yann Sommer might not have thwarted a multitude of clear chances, Lamine Yamal might not have struck the post, and Barcelona could have rightfully secured their place in the final.

As it stands, conceding another four goals has resulted in Barcelona allowing a total of 24 goals across their 14 matches in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. This statistic underscores the fact that no team with such a high goals-against average of 1.71 per game has ever reached the tournament’s final.

This European campaign will likely be remembered as one filled with opportunities that slipped away.

If there is any silver lining from this exhausting loss, especially with another El Clasico on the horizon, it’s that many players in the lime green jerseys left everything on the pitch.

Players like Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal particularly shone, while Gerard Martin had one of his standout performances for the club. Additionally, we must highlight Eric Garcia, who scored a memorable goal that will linger in his career.

Ultimately, despite their commendable efforts, the loss may signify the end of Ronald Araujo‘s tenure at the club.

With Real Madrid visiting this weekend, Barcelona cannot afford to wallow in self-pity. A defeat in this upcoming match would complicate their situation significantly in La Liga.