Araujo buzzing after Copa comeback: 'I'm feeling better every day'
Barcelona's Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo opened up about his return to form after scoring in the Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Alaves.
Back in the starting XI and straight on the scoresheet, Ronald Araujo couldn’t hide his delight after helping Barcelona book their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The Uruguayan’s return
It’s been a proper journey for Araujo lately, with the centre-back making his first start since that Chelsea match over a month ago. The Uruguayan defender had been sidelined not just for physical reasons, but to recover mentally as well - a bit of the old Adam and Eve for the soul, if you will.
And blimey, what a way to announce your return! Araujo not only slotted back into the starting eleven against Alaves but also managed to get himself on the scoresheet in what turned out to be a nail-biter of a quarter-final.
Post-match thoughts
The defender was clearly chuffed with both his personal performance and the team’s progression to the semis, even if Barca made hard work of it in the end.
“We’re in the semi-finals and that’s what matters,” Araujo noted after the match, acknowledging how Cup ties are never truly settled until the final whistle.
He praised the team’s approach, highlighting how they entered the match with proper focus and dominated proceedings for large stretches. Classic tournament football, this - you’ve got to be switched on from the first minute.
Personal progress
What’s particularly encouraging for Barça supporters is Araujo’s comments about his own condition. The defender seems to be in a proper good headspace now.
“I’m very happy and feeling better every day,” he explained, taking time to thank his teammates, the manager, and the club’s staff for their support during his absence.
For Barcelona, having Araujo back and firing on all cylinders couldn’t come at a better time. With the business end of the season approaching across multiple competitions, Xavi will be absolutely buzzing to have one of his defensive lynchpins returning to form.
The Uruguayan’s aerial presence, recovery pace, and now apparently his eye for goal will be crucial as the Blaugrana continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.