Ronald Araujo, leader of Barça's backline: Charrúa's great performance against Benfica

Great players thrive in the most challenging contexts, as Ronald Araujo demonstrated in the match against SL Benfica (0-1) in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. The native of Rivera started the match against the Lisbon side on the substitute bench, as Hansi Flick, as is customary, opted for his regular center-back duo: Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí.

However, what Araujo probably did not expect was to have to enter the match so early and due to such an unexpected cause: Pau Cubarsí's expulsion in the 22nd minute, an incident that quickly raised alarms in the blaugrana team. And how could it not? The ghosts of previous encounters, such as in the second leg of the Champions League 2023-24 quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain, where a red card for the Uruguayan '4' influenced the series that FC Barcelona ended up losing, began to surface.

However, this time the story was different. Ronald Araujo would be a positive protagonist in the contest. With less than five minutes to warm up, the Uruguayan stepped onto the field at Estádio da Luz in place of Dani Olmo. This was how Hansi Flick reorganized the backline to face a match that, with a man down, was as challenging as it could be.

The Uruguayan rose to the occasion in such a demanding match

Ronald Araujo, like any player who enters the field with a brief warm-up, perhaps took a little time to settle in. However, it was known that sooner or later he would adapt quickly to a match with a context that he enjoys, with open spaces, physical play, and plenty of contact, an area where the former Boston River player is a true specialist, a real warrior.

Araujo, the team captain, was commanding in the defensive line during the 62 minutes he spent on the field. Alongside Iñigo Martínez, they successfully contained one of the competition's best forwards, Vangelis Pavlidis, with a mastery that reflects their experience.

Moreover, he was rarely found wanting when clearing any balls that came into the area with dangerous intent, appearing almost impenetrable in one-on-one situations. This is ideal for matches where it is necessary to resist with all possible resources.

Ronald Araujo's stats against SL Benfica:

• Clearances: 7
• Blocked shots: 4
• Interceptions: 1
• Successful tackles: 2
• Dribbled past: 0
• Ground duels won: 2/2
• Aerial duels won: 4/5 (led the match)
• Ball touches: 32
• Successful passes: 12/16 (75%)

It was a vindicating day in the UEFA Champions League for Ronald Araujo, who, unless something unexpected happens, should start in the return match against the Portuguese team at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys due to Pau Cubarsí's suspension.