Araujo scores comeback goal, as Barca avenge Real Madrid

It was the beginning of December when one of Barcelona's captains, Ronald Araujo, announced he'd been experiencing mental issues and took some time off from the football pitch. Approximately a month and a half later, the Uruguayan returned to Barca's team, coming off the bench in four January clashes.

Last night, in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, the centre-back was a starter for the first time since his comeback, and he immediately found the net, as the Catalans brushed aside Real Madrid's killers from the previous round, Albacete (2-0), thus avenging Los Blancos.

Araujo netted in the 56th minute following Marcus Rashford's corner kick, doubling the visitors' lead, brought by Lamine Yamal six minutes before the break, when Barca exploited the minnows' lost ball near their own box.

By the end of the match, Albacete managed to pull one back in the 87th minute thanks to Javi Moreno, while Ferran Torres' added-time goal was disallowed for offside.

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Either way, Barca recorded a vital but expected triumph and became the first Copa del Rey semi-finalist, and Albacete ended their outstanding campaign on which they can be proud.

At the same time, Hansi Flick managed to keep some key players fresh for the upcoming challenges, as the Catalans will play their next league game in just three days against Mallorca at Camp Nou.

Spain - Copa del Rey Quarterfinals

Tuesday

Albacete - Barcelona 1-2 (0-1)

/Moreno 87 - Yamal 39, Araujo 56/

Wednesday

23.00: (3.00) Alaves (3.05) Sociedad (2.55)

23.00: (2.55) Valencia (3.15) Ath.Bilbao (2.95)

Thursday

23.00: (3.50) Betis (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.10)

***odds are subject to change***