Ronald Araujo's Impact at Liverpool and Thoughts on Barcelona

Ronald Araujo walked off the Anfield pitch having just helped Liverpool edge Atletico Madrid 2-1, but his thoughts were not only on the night’s work. They were also on Barcelona.

On loan at Liverpool from the Catalan club, the Uruguayan centre-back delivered a commanding display on Wednesday, then stopped to speak to "Movistar Liga de Campeones". Inevitably, the conversation turned to his parent club and their Champions League prospects.

Araujo did not hesitate.

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

There was no attempt to hide his attachment. Even while thriving in England, he admitted he still tracks every development at Barça and takes genuine pleasure in what his former team-mates are doing.

“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 comments came after a performance that underlined exactly why Liverpool moved for him and why Barcelona still value him. Under Andoni Iraola, Araujo has become a key figure, and against Atletico he produced one of his standout displays of the season.

He was not just solid at the back; he helped tilt the game. With Liverpool chasing the match, Araujo produced a moment of real class in the box, a deft backheel that opened Atletico up and set up Dominik Szoboszlai to deliver the cross that beat Jan Oblak for the equaliser.

From there, Liverpool completed the turnaround, while Araujo’s stock rose again on Merseyside and back in Catalonia. He may be wearing red for now, but his eyes are still firmly on the blaugrana and a Champions League race he believes they can win.