The Uruguay international denied Bradley Barcola a goalscoring opportunity when he hauled him down just outside of the area after 29 minutes. Araujo’s errant pass instigated the move that eventually released the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

The 25-year-old’s dismissal saw the beginning of an unbelievable meltdown from the Catalan giants, as Araujo initially refused to leave the pitch. Former midfielder Xavi was left discontent with how the match unfolded after his side were left with 10 players.

The 44-year-old said he was compelled to talk about the referee and revealed what he told Kovacs. “Disgruntled, angry because I think that the play marks the tie,” Xavi said following the game.

“Eleven against eleven we were well organized. The play marks the tie completely.

For me it is too much to show red in this play. It is not good to stay with 10, and from then on it is another game.

“We hesitated with the change because Pedri was coming off with an injury. We wanted control with Pedri and chaos with Raphinha.

We have chosen Lamine (Yamal) unfortunately. No matter how much we talk, the expulsion marks everything.

“We have had a chance for a 2-2 draw with Gundo (Gundogan) and a 2-0 with Robert (Lewandowski). We have even had some from Raphinha.

Clear but always in tow because with 10 it is very complicated. “It is a shame the work of a season ends due to an arbitration decision.

I would have liked to play 11 against 11 every minute. This expulsion is unnecessary.

I told the referee that it was very bad, that it was a disaster. It killed the tie.

It changes everything. I don’t like to talk about the referees, but we have to say it, we can’t stay silent.”