‘The team wanted it and played well’ – Ronald Araujo reflects on Barcelona victory over Newcastle | OneFootball

The Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo made his way back into the starting lineup as FC Barcelona took on the Premier League side Newcastle United for the opening match of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign.

After starting the first two games of the season, the center-back had not started in the ensuing two league matches, as Hansi Flick preferred other defenders over him.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Araujo also talked to the media after the win against Newcastle United, and expressed his satisfaction with starting the UCL campaign with a victory over a difficult opponent:

“We knew it was a very difficult match. They are a very physical team that presses a lot, but we were the protagonists and dominated the game. In the end, when they scored the 1-2, it got complicated, but that’s normal in the final minutes. The team wanted it and played. I’m happy because it’s important to start this Champions League like this.”

The Barcelona captain highlighted the good performance put in by his team in this game:

“The team made a great effort and we came away with the victory, which is the important thing. We analyzed this opponent very well and knew that in the first 15 minutes of each half, they would come out very strong. We had to keep a clean sheet. Sometimes we also played a bit more direct. There are matches you have to know how to play.”

Lastly, the defender also spoke highly of Marcus Rashford, who scored two goals in this match:

“Marcus is spectacular. We know him well; he does the same in training. I’m very happy to have him with us; he’s a great player and has tremendous quality. Hopefully, he keeps enjoying himself here with us.”

There is no doubt that this was quite a difficult match, but Barcelona came out victorious to get off to a good start in the UCL. Hopefully, the team will go on to ensure they win these difficult games, as they can prove to be the difference at the end of the season.