Hansi Flick Frustrated Over Ronald Araujo’s Red Card in Chelsea

Bornheimer – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick couldn’t hide his frustration following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the fifth match of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The turning point of the night? A controversial second yellow card for Ronald Araujo, which left the Catalan giants down to 10 men before halftime. Flick was visibly displeased, calling the tackle “unnecessary” and “costly.”

Early Missteps Set the Tone

The match kicked off with intensity at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) as Barcelona traveled to face a resurgent Chelsea. Despite a promising start, the visitors were the first to concede. A defensive miscommunication led to Jules Kounde’s own goal in the 27th minute, putting Chelsea ahead.

From that moment, Barcelona tried to regain control and push forward. However, just before halftime, the match took a dramatic turn.

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Araujo’s Red Card Turns the Tide

The pivotal moment arrived in the 44th minute. Center-back Ronald Araujo, already on a yellow, made a reckless challenge on Marc Cucurella. The referee wasted no time issuing a second yellow, sending Araujo off the pitch and leaving Barcelona with ten men.

This numerical disadvantage tilted the momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favor. The Premier League side capitalized quickly, scoring twice in the second half through Estevao (55’) and Liam Delap (73’), sealing a commanding 3-0 win.

League Table Implications for Barcelona

The result proved costly for Barcelona, not just in terms of pride but in standings. The loss dropped them to 15th place in the current league phase table with seven points, severely denting their hopes of a top-eight finish. Meanwhile, Chelsea surged to fifth place with a total of 10 points, firmly in the running for a knockout round berth.

Flick Admits Red Card Changed the Game

In his post-match press conference, Flick expressed disappointment with how the match unraveled after the sending off. The former Bayern Munich boss praised his team’s initial performance but pointed to the red card as the moment everything changed.

“We started the match really well and had a big chance to score the opening goal,” Flick said. “But the red card changed the game completely. It’s not easy to play against a team like Chelsea with ten men. We have to accept the defeat and learn from it.”

Harsh Words for Araujo’s Decision

Flick didn’t mince words when discussing Ronald Araujo’s role in the defeat. While he refrained from fully blaming the defender, his irritation was evident. He suggested that Araujo’s decision-making lacked discipline at a crucial moment in the match.

“I don’t know what happened with the first yellow. I’ll have to talk to him and watch the video again,” Flick stated.
“But the second foul? He shouldn’t have gone in like that. It was a poor decision. Things like this happen in football, but we have to manage situations better.”

Barcelona Faces Uphill Battle in Remaining Matches

With only a few matchdays left in the group phase, Barcelona’s path to redemption will not be easy. Their next matches are now must-wins if they hope to qualify for the next round. For Flick and his players, the focus must shift quickly from frustration to recovery.

The loss to Chelsea may serve as a wake-up call, especially in terms of player discipline and tactical composure. Ronald Araujo, known for his physicality and defensive prowess, will now miss the next game due to suspension—a blow Barcelona can scarcely afford.

A Lesson in Composure and Responsibility

For Hansi Flick, the match served as a stark reminder that one moment of recklessness can undo an entire game plan. While Chelsea played brilliantly, Barcelona’s downfall was self-inflicted. And as the German tactician looks to rally his team, he will undoubtedly demand better judgment and discipline moving forward.