The Europa League didn’t even exist the last time Barcelona exited the Champions League in the group-stages.
It was known as the UEFA Cup back then.
But as the ceiling caved in on Xavi’s Catalonian rebuild on Wednesday night, a 3-0 trouncing at the hands of Bayern Munich showing just how far the cash-strapped Spanish giants have fallen, Barcelona will soon be featuring in Europe’s B-list competition for the first time since Celtic knocked out a side containing Javier Saviola, Phillip Cocu and a young Ronaldinho 17 years ago.
And as Bayern ran riot in midweek, racking up the chances in front of empty Allianz Arena stands, Ronald Araujo was left to man the fort, standing alone like poor old Hodor desperately attempting to hold back a relentless horde of ravenous invaders.
The Uruguayan centre-back was one of the few Barcelona players who emerged from another brutal defeat with his reputation unscathed. Araujo stood tall as his more experienced team-mates shrunk under the pressure.
“It’s a damning result and they had chances to make it worse,” Araujo fumed at full-time, via NBC.
“Ultimately, we didn’t not qualify because of this game but because of what we did in the other games. We have to keep on working and hope that good things will come for us soon.
“Our objective now is to win the Europa League. We have to go out to compete and try to win it.”
As Barcelona look to tie Araujo down to a new long-term deal – and reports suggest that will be easier said than done – failing to reach the Champions League knock-out stages will hardly do their chances much good.
Will Ronald Araujo leave Barcelona for Liverpool?
ESPN reported earlier this month that Premier League giants Liverpool are lurking in the background with Araujo yet to commit his future to the crisis-hit Camp Nou club.
Jurgen Klopp’s all-conquering side are understood to have scouted Araujo regularly throughout 2021.
And fears are growing that Barcelona will not be able to meet the 22-year-old’s wage demands. Fears that will hardly have been allayed by an early Champions League exit.
Elite-level European football was integral not just to Barca’s already dwindling finances but also their hopes of hanging onto their star players.
“I’m very happy to have Ronald on the team. He has such a great personality,” Xavi said recently.
“He celebrates everything and to have that type of profile as a defender, to be so engaged with the team, and celebrate everything is hard to find.
“It’s spectacular to see him train. He’s so positive, he has an excellent character and that’s fundamental to us.”
Xavi’s charm offence may not be enough to keep Araujo around, however, if Liverpool come knocking.
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