Uruguay’s 2-0 win over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers last night was pretty special for Barcelona for a few specific reasons. For one, defender Ronald Araujo scored a goal and he did so while playing as a right-back.
This means the Barcelona defender came up against a stern challenge from Nicolás Gonzalez and it is safe to say the 24-year-old passed the test with flying colours.
The win was quite special not just for Barcelona but for Uruguay, as they ended Argentina’s run of 14 unbeaten games.
Above all, Araujo’s goal was the first that Argentina had conceded since winning the FIFA World Cup against France back in December 2022.
Araujo was key for Uruguay
As Mathias Olivera and Sebastian Caceres assumed the centre-back roles for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Araujo, having played as a right-back for Barcelona several times last season, was deployed at a rather unfavourable position.
Be that as it may, the Barcelona defender played a crucial role for Uruguay in this match, serving as a linchpin in thwarting Argentinian attacks on multiple occasions.
He stood out as a vital component of the team, contributing significantly to their success in breaking down an Argentinian side that had not suffered a single defeat in their previous 14 matches.
The Uruguayan international initiated his defensive strategy by focusing on Nicolás González, given that Messi was operating in a different area.
The approach was straightforward yet highly efficient, as he skillfully played right up to the edge and effectively sealed off his designated sector.
As far as his goal is concerned, the 24-year-old slotted home a neat finish just a few minutes before half-time.
Interestingly enough, it was Araujo’s first goal for Uruguay in 15 outings, which was all the more special since he missed out on the World Cup due to injuries last year.
