‘Disappointed’ Ilkay Gundogan delivers telling verdict on Ronald Araujo’s red card for Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan spoke at length about his team’s defeat to PSG in the Champions League after the game.

The Germany international spoke naturally of his disappointment but also gave his verdict on Ronald Araujo’s red card that turned the tie in PSG’s favor.

“Disappointed, very disappointed actually because we were in such a good position. Not just after the first leg, after the first goal we scored. Everything was in our hands and we just gave it away in the most simple manner. We just gave it to PSG and that’s the most disappointing thing,” he told CBS Sports.

“If he fouled him, I guess it’s a red card. I haven’t seen the replay. Difficult to say, in these kind of crucial moments you need to be sure to get the ball, and if you don’t get it (and I don’t know if he touched the ball or not) you have to stay away. I’d prefer to concede the goal there or give the striker a one v one even though he played the ball quite far, so I don’t even know if he’d be able to reach the ball. But given the opportunity, maybe let the goalkeeper save us or even concede a goal because to go down one man and get a red card so early in the game just kills the game.”

Gundogan also gave his verdict on Vitinha’s goal from a corner early in the second half that put PSG back on level terms in the tie.

“I think we have to step out and don’t let him shoot. He was so free, it’s not something we haven’t trained to be honest,” he added.

“The closest man to the player to the ball has to step out. We were three vs three outside after the corner and Vitinha was the fourth man, someone had to step out - but no-one did or they did too late - and it was a good shot. It was not necessary at all, but it’s too late right now.”

The midfielder’s disappointment is clear to see but it’s refreshing to hear his take on the game, particularly after an emotional Xavi simply resorted to raging at the referee after seeing his team knocked out.