Araujo, Alba and Pique react after Barcelona secure thumping win over Atletico Madrid

Barcelona broke into the top-four of the La Liga table as they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Playing their first home game of the new year, in front of a packed Camp Nou, Barça were handed an early setback as Yannick Carrasco put Atleti in front just eight minutes in. However, a screamer from Jordi Alba restored parity two minutes later.

Soon after Gavi headed in Adama Traore’s cross to make it 2-1 before Ronald Araujo added a third late in the first period. Just four minutes into the second half, Dani Alves fired a scorcher to make it 4-1 and put the game to bed.

A red card to the Brazilian and a strike from Luis Suarez caused some jitters, but Xavi Hernandez’s side saw off the threat with comfort to secure a vital victory that sends them into the top-four.

Speaking after the game (h/t BarcaTV+), Araujo, who was one of the goalscorers, claimed that he was happy with the display as they executed their plans perfectly.

“We have played a tremendous match. We played good football. We had two weeks to prepare, and we did exactly what the coach told us to do,” he said.

The 22-year-old was also full of gratitude towards the fans for the support they showed, saying: “The crowd has helped us a lot, today it was important to win to be in the Champions League. The match went as planned, we are very satisfied.”

Highlighting the importance of the win, Araujo added: “Today was a final, and our only goal was to win. The mission was completed.”

The defender also spoke about his goal and playing with ten men for the final 20 minutes or so, saying: “My goal? When Ferran touched it I thought it was getting away from me, but I was able to score. In the end, we had to be very careful with ten men because we know that Atlético come from behind many games at the end.”

Alba and Pique delighted with win

Jordi Alba, who was one of the best performers on the day was also ecstatic after the result. “It was a perfect match for everyone. I think the fans enjoyed both teams. They are proud of our performance. We dominated the game, especially in the first half. They are a very tough opponent,” he said.

Alba admitted that the red card affected the team a bit in the second period, but was glad the team stuck to their task.

“Maybe the red card affected us a little bit in the second half, but we’re happy with the win. One of the best matches this season. We did what was required of us,” he said.

“We’ve had lots of disappointments this season, but this win gives us a lot of strength. We have to continue like this. It was great,” the left-back added.

Gerard Pique was also in a buoyant mood after the victory, saying:

“This is clearly more than just a win. It’s a win against a direct competitor, playing great football too. Remember, we started losing and came back. We dominated from start to finish. It will give us confidence for what is to come.”

The 35-year-old also achieved a personal milestone as he matched former captain Carles Puyol’s number of appearances (593) in a Barcelona shirt.

“I equalled Puyol’s matches in the Barça jersey. I enjoy every single game with this club. I would send a hug to him, if he’s watching us,” he said.