Stroll to the Stoppage: Araujo’s Casual Wander Costs Barça in Newcastle Draw

Recap

Uruguayan defender's odd moment sparks controversy.

Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, Barcelona defender, sparked fury among his team's fans during the Newcastle match on Tuesday evening in the Champions League.

Barcelona forced a 1-1 draw in stoppage time, at Newcastle's Saint James' Park, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Harvey Barnes gave the English side the lead in the 86th minute, while Lamine Yamal equalised for Barça in stoppage time (90+6) from a penalty.

Moments before Newcastle's goal, Araujo left the pitch to receive treatment after a fall; the Italian referee Marco Guida allowed him to resume, but he was slow to get back to cover inside the box.

The goal came from a cross by substitute Jacob Murphy, met by Barnes with a free touch into the net, while Araujo watched the ball go past as he stood far from its path.

Although the Uruguayan defender had enough time to recover and reposition properly, he was “strolling around the pitch” in a strange manner, not sprinting toward the box quickly.

The return leg will be held next week, on Wednesday, at the Camp Nou, to determine who advances to the Champions League quarterfinals.

Punchline 1: Araujo's sprint was so slow that even the ball applied for overtime to reach him.

Punchline 2: Barca's defensive plan appears to be 'watch the drama in slow motion'—it's basically a new sport called late-night defense.