De Jong urges Barca to 'bounce back' after UCL exit

Barcelona's Champions League campaign came to a painful end on Tuesday 16th April. When everything looked rosy for the Catalans with Raphinha's 1-0 lead, Araujo's red card condemned Xavi's side and paved the way for PSG to come from behind to win 4-1 at Montjuïc.

After the match, Frenkie de Jong discussed the heavy blow of defeat and elimination, pointing out that his team-mate Araujo's red card before the half-hour mark was decisive in the final outcome of the game and the tie.

"We scored 1-0 and had an important lead, but in Europe, when you play with 10 so many minutes against a team like PSG, you know you're going to suffer. We tried, but in the end we couldn't do any more," the Dutchman told the 'Movistar Liga de Campeones' microphones.

On Araujo's red card, De Jong was doubtful about the referee's decision. "I haven't seen the replay. I just had the feeling that Barcola's control went far and wide to the goalkeeper. That was my feeling on the pitch," explained the No 21.

Finally, despite the sadness of the moment, the Netherlands international wanted to send a message of pride to the club's fans. "We tried, we fought to get through to the semi-finals, but it wasn't to be. It's a big blow, we were convinced we could go through. We have to bounce back and try again next year," he concluded.

 

April 16, 2024