Araujo, Ferran Torres react after Las Palmas 1-2 Barcelona: “Could have scored more goals”

Barcelona started the new year with a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas, in what proved to be crucial three points for the Catalans.

It was a tricky affair for Barcelona, who could have easily come out with only a draw had it not been for a late penalty that allowed Ilkay Gundogan to seal the winner.

Speaking after the game, Barcelona players, including Ronald Araujo, were extremely happy with the three points.

“Happy with the victory, we wanted to start 2024 like this. Las Palmas is complicated at home, they normally always have possession. In the first half, we failed with the last pass, we did better in the second half and I think we could have scored more goals,” Araujo said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Ferran, too, was happy with the victory despite not being entirely convinced of the team’s performance against Las Palmas.

“We knew that Las Palmas wanted to control the ball. We lacked timing in the last pass, but I think the most important thing is that we have taken the three points,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“They play with their defensive line very high up the pitch, so it was a day to attack the spaces in behind the defence,” he added.

Ferran scored the all-important equaliser in the 55th minute of the game. It was his first league goal since mid-September. “I’m happy to score a goal and help the team win,” he said.

Talking about the penalty at the last minute, Ferran said, “I saw the penalty from the bench. I think it’s clear. Gündogan was pushed.”

Nevertheless, Ferran’s game-time is likely to be impacted this year following the arrival of Vitor Roque. The Brazilian joins from Athletic Paranaense and will play a crucial role in the Barça attack.

Roque even made his debut by making a late substitute appearance against Las Palmas. Araujo, though, urged fans not to exceed their expectations of the youngster.

“Vitor Roque is 18 years old, so be calm. But he will help us a lot, for sure,” Araujo said.

Ferran, too, talked about the arrival of Roque, suggesting that it is always good to have more competition.

“It’s good for the squad to have competition up front,” Ferran said. “In the end, I am trying to take advantage of the playing time I get to get the coach’s confidence.”