FC Barcelona managed to advance to the Champions League semifinals, but they did so with a sense of alert. Despite having won 4-0 in the first leg, the 3-1 defeat at Signal Iduna Park made it clear that there is still work to be done. The image in Dortmund set off alarms in the Barça locker room as they analyzed what lies ahead in the Champions League.
A Performance That Raises Doubts
Barça faced a brave and ambitious Borussia Dortmund. Despite the advantage from the first match, Flick's team didn't control the game and was outplayed in several phases.
The defeat in Germany, although it didn't affect the qualification, was a clear wake-up call. In the locker room, the performance in Dortmund wasn't well received, and the players began to doubt the line-up and strategy.
Araujo, at the Center of Criticism
One of the players most questioned after the quarterfinal return is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan center-back hasn't managed to recover his best form this season and once again made crucial mistakes during the match against Dortmund.
His performance was heavily criticized, especially in ball distribution and defensive coverage. Araujo appeared slow in duels and out of position in key situations. This series of errors has caused a consensus within the locker room: his starting position in big matches is no longer a reliable option.
The Duo That Convinces: Íñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí
Amid doubts about Araujo, there is a duo that has convinced both Hansi Flick and the locker room: Íñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí. Martínez's experience, combined with Cubarsí's freshness and brilliance, has provided a defensive solidity that has impressed everyone.
Cubarsí has shown unexpected maturity for his age, while Íñigo, when healthy, has been the team's most reliable defender. The chemistry between them has been outstanding, something Araujo hasn't managed to establish with any of his teammates so far this season.
The coaching staff has already started working with this pair as the preferred option for the Champions League semifinals, where the level of demand will be even higher. The solid defense offered by Martínez and Cubarsí has become one of Flick's major bets for the upcoming challenges.
Difficult but Necessary Decisions
Barça's locker room has respect for Araujo, but the pressure of the Champions League is relentless. Concessions at this level are not an option. The leaders have expressed their doubts about Araujo to Flick, and the demands of the competition require drastic decisions.
Araujo has been a key player in the past, but at this moment, he is not performing at the level needed.