Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo successfully returned to the starting lineup for the first time in 2026 after scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete on Tuesday night. The Uruguayan defender walks towards head coach Hansi Flick to celebrate his goal.
The 26-year-old took time off from Barcelona in December to recuperate his mental health after being sent off against Chelsea at the end of November. Flick brought Araujo back into the game and he made four appearances as a substitute, totaling 30 minutes. Flick made his first start in more than two months against Albacete.
Araujo: “This goal boosts confidence”
After Ter Stegen quit on loan, Araujo took over the captain’s armband as the team’s first captain. Araujo noted that the victory boosted their confidence.
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“The cup is a bit like this, it’s not decided until the end,” he told RTVE, as quoted by MD. “This goal is very important for confidence and continued growth. I am able to help the team up front, which is crucial because we have excellent headers.”
Image via Getty Images/Angel Martinez
Araujo explains Flick’s celebration
After scoring, Araujo shook fists with his teammates to celebrate, and then ran to Flick on the sideline to hug him. Perhaps it was the image of the game, Araujo explained the gesture.
“Hansi is like a father to us; everyone loves him deeply. He knows how to handle every player’s situation. I gave him a hug because he was doing so well for me.”
Flick explained after the game that he was satisfied with Araujo’s performance. He is the latest Barcelona star to publicly express his affection for Flick, with Raphinha, Pedri and Marcus Rashford all going out of their way to praise the former Bayern Munich boss.
