Barcelona achieved a difficult victory over its guest Rayo Vallecano with a score of 1-0 in the 24th round of the Spanish League, returning to the top of the league with 51 points, equal to Real Madrid in second place but superior on goal difference. This important victory restored Barcelona to the top, but it was not without a tense atmosphere inside the locker room after the match.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo ignited the atmosphere in the locker room after the match against Rayo Vallecano.
The player, who recently renewed his contract with Barcelona, was surprised by coach Hansi Flick’s refusal to start him in the match, as he preferred the duo Coparsi and Inigo Martinez.
When Coparsi was substituted in the second half, Flick chose Eric Garcia instead of Araujo, which made the Uruguayan defender feel frustrated and very angry. Despite renewing his contract with the team, Araujo has come to realize that Flick does not consider him an essential part of his plan and feels that the coach’s style does not suit his own.
In light of this situation, Araujo made a surprising decision to rebel against the coach and announce his intention to leave the team. The player sees his opportunities to participate as very limited under Flick and believes that his departure may be the best solution for his future in football. This development indicates internal tension within the Catalan team and leaves the door open to many questions about the immediate future of this important player.