Ronald Araujo enjoyed another strong performance on Friday as Uruguay beat Argentina 2-1 in a friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
It was Argentina’s first game since Lionel Messi’s retirement and saw the world champions slump to a defeat to Diego Forlan’s men.
An own goal from Leonardo Balerdi saw Uruguay go ahead. Forlan’s side then doubled their lead when Maxi Araujo headed home before Julian Alvarez scored a consolation goal for the hosts.
Barcelona loanee Araujo put in another solid shift
in the heart of the defence, winning six of his seven duels and having the joint most defensive actions in the game.
The defender spoke to the media afterwards about how he’s really enjoying his football this season.
“I’m enjoying myself; I’m enjoying being back to doing what I love most: being out on the pitch and representing the national team,” he told AUF TV.
“Everyone knows what the national team means to me. I experience so many emotions every time I get to represent this jersey, it’s intense, but I also take on the responsibility with great seriousness. I’m happy, I’m enjoying the moment, and I hope the best is yet to come.”
Araujo also analyzed Uruguay’s victory and the importance of set-pieces to the win.
“It was a very difficult match, we played against one of the best in the world, but I think we were able to stand up to them, we played together and we found the goals from set pieces. That’s also important, because Uruguay needs to return to that identity of being strong on set pieces,” he added.
“We knew they have great players, especially their two wingers who cut inside a lot and sometimes created overloads in our midfield, but we were very organized. That’s the beauty of it, and we were able to get a good result that helps us continue to grow.”
Uruguay and Araujo are back in action on Tuesday in another friendly against the Dominican Republic.
