English
Español
It has not been the easiest season for Ronald Araujo, but the Barcelona defender is now on the verge of reaching an important personal milestone.
As such, if he features against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, he will complete 200 appearances for the club.
The stage could hardly be bigger, as Barcelona head into the tie with a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 0-4, meaning the pressure will be intense from the first minute.
Araujo has been involved regularly in recent matches, so it would not be a surprise to see him play. The only real doubt is whether he starts or comes off the bench.
A chance for Araujo
Since returning from a short mental health break, he has started just once, which was away at Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
However, Eric Garcia’s suspension could create an opportunity for him to step straight into the starting XI.
Araujo could play his 200th game for Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Reaching 200 matches would mark another chapter in a journey that began in 2018. Araujo signed for Barça Atletic on August 29, 2018, joining from Boston River for €1.7 million plus add-ons.
Few could have predicted then how important he would become.
Under Xavi Hernandez, Araujo played exactly 100 matches. With Hansi Flick, though, he has featured 49 times so far.
That means if he plays against the capital club, it will not only be his 200th Barcelona appearance but also his 50th match under the German coach.
For what it is worth, the numbers feel pretty perfect. But for Araujo and Barcelona, statistics will matter less than the result.
With a place in the final at stake, the Uruguayan could celebrate his milestone on one of the most demanding nights of the season.