Why was Araujo sent off for Barcelona against PSG?

Ronald Araujo was sent off in the 29th minute of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie between Barcelona and PSG, when the Catalan side were leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

After the Uruguayan’s sending off the night went from bad to worse for Xavi’s side who ended up losing the match 4-1 and going out 6-4 on aggregate.

Araujo fouls Barcola

Araujo received a straight red card for a foul on PSG’s Bradley Barcola, who was closing in on the penalty area having being played through, and in the referee’s opinion was denied a clear goal-scoring chance.

Araujo argued vehemently that he had only put his right shoulder in, but the referee remained convinced he had used unnecessary force and maintained his decision that was also backed by VAR.

Araujo sent off - impact on Barcelona

From the resulting free-kick, taken by Dembele, PSG failed to trouble Ter Stagen in the Barcelona goal.

Xavi then made a substitution to try and balance his side, taking off the creator of Barça’s goal Lamine Yamal and bringing on defender Iñigo Martínez.

That change did not prevent PSG going level on the night in the 39th minute when Dembele fired into the roof of the net at the back post from a cross from none other than Barcola.

And with 54 minutes gone PSG were able to draw level 4-4 on aggregate in the tie, when Vitinha picked up a short corner and rifled the ball low into the far corner.

PSG went ahead on aggregate, 5-4, on the hour mark when Mbappe fired home a penalty awarded after Cancelo fouled Dembele in the box.

Mbappé put the tie to bed thrashing home a loose ball with a minute to go to make it 6-4 to PSG.

Xavi sent off

The frustration got the better of Barcelona coach Xavi, who was sent off just after PSG’s second goal of the night. The Barcelona coach was sent to the stands for excessive protesting and kicking a hoarding.

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