After Ronald Araújo’s first-half dismissal at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, Xavi Hernández’s team collapsed against Paris Saint-Germain, prolonging Barcelona’s search for a first Champions League semifinal berth since 2019. After winning the first leg in Paris last week, Barça led 1-0 on the night and 4-2 overall when Araujo gently tackled Bradley Barcola outside the area in the 29th minute. Just as fast as Barcola had fallen to the deck, the referee brandished a red card, eliminating Barça’s hopes of making it to the last four. The game ended 6-4 on aggregate.
On His Return To Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé Spearheaded PSG’s Comeback
The player could afford to smile when he equalized shortly before halftime, converting Barcola’s cross to get his side back in the tie. It was just the third goal he has scored this season, two of which have come against Barcelona in the last week. Barça may blame their collapse on having 10 men, but in reality, they made PSG’s path back into the game easy. In the 54th minute, Vitinha was left unmarked on the edge of the box following a corner. After slamming into the bottom corner as expected, João Cancelo collided with Dembéle inside the box shortly after the hour mark. After remaining nameless in the first leg, Kylian Mbappé scored the subsequent penalty to give PSG the advantage in the match.
