Ronald Araujo backs Barcelona as Champions League contenders

Ronald Araujo says Barcelona are among the leading contenders to win the Champions League this season, despite spending the current campaign away from the Catalan club on loan at Liverpool.

The Liverpool defender praised his former side after helping his current team beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield. Araujo provided an assist as Liverpool recovered from conceding the opening goal to claim victory in their opening league-phase fixture.

“Of course, Barcelona are one of the candidates to win the Champions League. They are playing brilliantly,” Araujo told Movistar.

The Uruguay international said he remained closely interested in Barcelona’s progress and was pleased with the way his former team-mates were performing.

“I follow Barcelona and I am very happy for my team-mates,” he added. “They have a great team. I always support them and I am really happy with what they are experiencing at the moment.”

Araujo also reflected positively on his departure from Barcelona, where he says he developed into the player he is today.

“Leaving Barcelona was very good and I have great affection for the club. I will always be grateful for everything,” he said.

“I am happy that my relationship with Barcelona is good. A large part of the player I am today is thanks to the club.”

Liverpool’s victory against Atletico Madrid came in the first round of the Champions League league phase, with the English side turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win.

Liverpool will play their next Champions League match against Austrian side LASK on 14 October. Atletico Madrid are scheduled to face Manchester United on 13 October in the same competition.

The Champions League league phase features 36 teams, with each club playing eight matches.

The top eight teams in the table will qualify directly for the last 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 16th will enter a play-off round.