Ronald Araujo Shines at Liverpool While Supporting Barcelona

Ronald Araujo walked off the Anfield pitch with another big European scalp on his CV and Barcelona still on his mind.

On loan at Liverpool from the Catalan giants, the Uruguayan centre-back produced a commanding display in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, then admitted he remains glued to events at his parent club.

Speaking to "Movistar Liga de Campeones" after the game, Araujo was clear when asked about Barcelona’s prospects in this season’s Champions League. No pauses. No caveats.

“Definitely, Barcelona are among the leading contenders to win the Champions League,” he said. “They are performing brilliantly.”

Araujo, who has become a key figure under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool this season, made it clear that the bond with his former dressing room has not faded.

“I follow them. I am very happy for my team-mates,” he explained. “They have a great side. I always support them, and I am very grateful for what they are achieving now.”

His words came on the back of a performance that underlined exactly why Barcelona still value him so highly. Against Atletico, Araujo was more than just a stopper; he was a catalyst.

With Liverpool chasing the game, the defender produced one of the moments of the night inside the Atletico box. A sharp, instinctive backheel opened up the defence and released Dominik Szoboszlai, whose cross was turned past Jan Oblak for the equaliser. It was a centre-back’s touch with a No. 10’s audacity.

From there, Liverpool pushed on to complete the turnaround, with Araujo anchoring the back line and helping see out a statement win at Anfield.

Barcelona may be hundreds of miles away, but their on-loan defender is watching, applauding and backing them to go all the way in Europe, even as he builds something impressive of his own on Merseyside.