Araujo, Balde react after Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona: “Have to keep winning”

Barcelona picked up a crucial 1-0 victory over Quique Setien’s Villarreal side on Sunday night to extend their lead to 11 points atop the La Liga standings.

Pedri was the star of the show as he scored the only goal of the game, putting the finishing touches on a fine move from the league leaders.

While Xavi’s men kept creating chances, a second goal was not forthcoming. At the same time, Villarreal did manage to carve out a few openings, but Ronald Araujo stood in the way of the Yellow Submarine, putting in a wonderful defensive display.

The Uruguayan international spoke to the media after the game and insisted that the team needs to keep up this solid run of form going on, saying: “We have to continue in this form, with these positive results.”

On the solid defensive record that Barcelona have this season, Araujo said: “Last season, we were conceding goals too easily. We had to improve that, and we’re doing really well now.”

“Our defensive record is the result of the hard work of the whole team. We’re closing the spaces in midfield.”

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona have now opened up an eleven-point lead over Real Madrid. But Araujo claimed that the Blaugrana needed to focus on themselves and not pay attention to other teams.

“We have to focus on ourselves. We have to keep winning and not look at other teams in the table,” he stated.

On the win, the Uruguayan international added: “I’m very happy with the win. It’s an important result, and I’m happy to have helped the team both in defence and attack.”

But, he did mention that Barça need to get better at killing off matches, saying: “We have to look to kill off the games earlier to be calmer.”

Meanwhile, Araujo’s fellow defender Alejandro Balde also interacted with the media and spoke of his form, crediting Xavi and the staff for showing faith in his talents.

“I’m very happy with the confidence that Xavi is giving me and the minutes that I am playing,” the young left-back, who started ahead of Jordi Alba on Sunday, said.

“Xavi asks me to be myself and press,” he added.

Following yet another win, Barcelona will next face an in-form Manchester United side in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs at Camp Nou on Thursday.

Source: BarçaTV+