Barcelona may have finally reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League — a milestone they haven’t achieved since 2019 — but the journey wasn’t without turbulence. Despite progressing, their 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg has caused significant unrest behind the scenes.
As reported by El Nacional, young midfield talent Pedri expressed visible frustration in the locker room following the match. He openly criticized the performance of two of his teammates and urged manager Hansi Flick to make some tough decisions before it’s too late to salvage the team’s ambitions for the season.
The first player Pedri addressed was Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan defender was at the center of a crucial error that led to Dortmund’s third goal. His poor clearance handed the ball directly to striker Serhou Guirassy inside the penalty area, a mistake that drew harsh backlash from fans, analysts, and teammates alike.
The second player under fire was full-back Gerard Martin. His performance throughout the match was labeled as disastrous, with his efforts falling short on both ends of the pitch. Lacking presence in attack and vulnerability in defense, Martin was widely viewed as a weak spot in Barcelona’s lineup — a risk that nearly cost them their place in the tournament.
Pedri was direct and unapologetic in his remarks, saying: “If we want to achieve something big this season… there is no place for these two players in the starting lineup anymore.”
His firm words illustrate the mounting pressure within the team as they prepare for their next major challenge. With the semi-finals on the horizon, Pedri’s demand for accountability sends a clear message: the margin for error is slim, and the team can no longer afford inconsistent performances.
