Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola has this week provided his take on the events which ultimately culminated in Ronald Araújo being dismissed from his side’s showdown with Barcelona.
PSG and Barca, of course, locked horns a little over a week ago.
With the latter boasting the advantage owing to a narrow first-leg victory in France, Xavi and co. welcomed PSG to Catalunya, with sights set on a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
When all was said and done on a painful evening for all associated with the Blaugrana, however, they were sent packing from European competition in comprehensive fashion.
After taking the lead early on through Raphinha, the beginning of the end for Barca was forthcoming just inside the half-hour mark.
As much came upon the aforementioned Ronald Araújo being given his marching orders.
The Uruguayan was responsible for a last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola, which, though clumsy at worst, left referee Istvan Kovacs with little choice but to produce a red card.
Those of a Barcelona persuasion, in turn, will no doubt be interested to hear of the man on the receiving end of Araújo’s challenge providing his take on the incident.
Speaking in an interview with RMC Sport, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, wide-man Barcola admitted that he intentionally left Araújo with only two options – accept his dismissal, or allow a direct shot at goal:
“I knew Araújo was very quick. When I saw him coming, I anticipated what would happen. I had a similar situation in the first leg, but I didn’t handle it well. So, it caught up with me. I wondered what would happen to him, knowing there was nothing he could do. It was either a foul or I would be through on goal.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
