The crucifixion of Araújo

Unable to betray itself and renounce its way of life, FC Barcelona let a Champions League title bearing its name slip away in Milan. This time, however, the Barcelona fans united, all unity, pride, and acceptance of defeat, usually without a father or mother. All? Not exactly. There was one exception, and it seems there was a culprit, who has been singled out without the leniency so many received on Tuesday in Milan. Ladies and gentlemen , the one crucified is... Ronald Araújo!

He's pictured for the last two goals! The Uruguayan certainly had a poor night (he wasn't the only one, starting with Szymon Marciniak's veteran hitman-like refereeing). Araújo came on in the 76th minute with the game in overdrive and a shaky playing field for a center-back. This was in the midst of Barça 's revolutionary phase, thanks to which they overturned a 2-0 deficit... in Italy!

It was precisely that ambitious madness that so excites and comforts Barcelona fans that exposed Araújo, overwhelmed by the pace and without defensive teammates capable of giving him the slightest bit of peace of mind to gain ground. He didn't have a good night, but does that justify the accusation? Seventeen players honored the FC Barcelona jersey at the Giuseppe Meazza, and Araújo wasn't the only one who didn't live up to expectations.

Apparently, the most collective and volcanic Barça fell in Milan not because of a lack of skill but because of Araújo.

It's surprising that a defeat so equally accepted by everyone—including the fans—makes this exception for a player who truly loves the game, with all the burden of disaffection that implies. If there was a major error, it was the lack of skill and cunning after the 3-2 scoreline, qualities that would have ended the match in the 87th minute. Inter managed to kill off 21 minutes of extra time!

There were so many details that led to his loss that the individualization overshadows the positive aspects of the night. Would FC Barcelona have lost this tie if they had swapped their goalkeeper with Inter? It's an example of how regrettable it would be to start pointing fingers, a common failing when your team loses.

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Araújo is one of the Barça captains whose shirt he has defended well, very well, in the chaotic seasons preceding this one. Injuries, the advanced system, competition, the need to plug holes in a team desperately needing full-backs, and the need to warm the bench invite some understanding. And if the opinion of those who have pointed the finger at him in Milan is that Araújo has no place in this squad, it wouldn't hurt to tone things down, lest, unlike Real Madrid , he end up being transferred for four euros. He's one of those players who could find suitors...