Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League after a tough defeat to PSG at home. This Tuesday’s clash was marked by a red card for defender Ronald Araújo, which left the Spanish team with one less athlete compared to the French. Midfielder İlkay Gundogan criticized the Uruguayan defender’s decision-making and spoke about the impact of the expulsion on the remainder of the match.
“This is the Champions League. No matter the opponent, it is impossible to recover if one of your players is sent off. It’s difficult to say, but in these important moments you need to be sure if you’re going to compete for the ball. I don’t know if he touches the ball or not… I’d rather concede a goal or allow a one-on-one situation. I don’t know if he would get to the ball or not, but give the goalkeeper the opportunity to save, or give the goal. Having one less player so early kills the match”, analyzed Gundogan.
The German national team player also complained about his teammates’ stance on Vitinha’s goal that turned the match around for PSG. According to Gundogan, the team’s positioning on the corner that subsequently led to the goal was wrong.
“A mistake again. You have to leave and not let him kick. Was he alone. It’s not something we haven’t trained for. The player closest to the ball has to leave. We were three against three in the corner. and Vitinha was the fourth player and someone had to leave. Nobody did that, or it was too late, it was an unnecessary goal, but now it’s too late”, added the player.
Finally, Gundogan vented after the elimination. The German did not hide his disappointment with Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League.
“We were in a good position. Not only because of the first game, but also because we scored the first goal (in the second leg). Everything was in our hands, but we let it slip the easy way. We gave that to PSG. That’s the most disappointing thing,” Gundogan concluded.
Barcelona’s next game is El Classico against Real Madrid this Sunday (21), at the Santiago Bernabéu, at 4pm, for the Spanish Championship.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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