Ronald Araujo was visibly limping when he left the pitch after FC Barcelona withstood Porto’s pressure to win their last match in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The defender has returned from the sidelines only recently, and this sight would definitely have rung alarm bells at the Catalan club.
However, the problem is not too serious, and as already reported here, the Uruguayan will be available for the upcoming match against Granada. The limping seemingly came from the physical exertion he had to make to keep Porto at bay, and Araujo was able to complete the match and even talk to the media after the match.
Araujo on the victory against Porto
As SPORT has reported, Araujo did not even bring up the issue of his cramps in this media talk and went straight to evaluating Barcelona’s victory on the night:
“We’re coming from two years that haven’t been good in the Champions League, and we have to highlight this victory, which puts us as the sole leaders of the group.”
Araujo went on to reiterate the improvement in the team, as Xavi has already done previously, as he mentioned the team’s lack of ability to withstand the pressure faced in this match in the last few years:
“At other times, we would have drawn or lost these matches. High-level players have arrived who have been European champions, and we are forming a great group.”
Praise for Cancelo
Araujo picked out Joao Cancelo in particular as one player who has significantly improved the team with his arrival:
“He [Cancelo] is a natural full-back, and it was important for us to have a player like him. He’s giving us a lot.”
Defensively, Araujo was pretty satisfied with the team’s performance on the night:
“Defensively, we had a great game, continuing in the same line as last season. That’s what will bring us victories.”
Keeping clean sheets and having a water-tight defense is definitely important for Barcelona as they look to win all the major trophies this season. However, not everything was perfect in the last match as Porto were threatening the Barcelona goal a bit too much. Ultimately, they were not able to capitalize on their chances, and Araujo and Co. withstood the pressure to give Barcelona the three points.
