Ronald Araujo, Pedri react after Mallorca 0-3 Barcelona – ‘We were able to control the game’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona kickstarted the defence of their La Liga title with a 3-0 win over RCD Mallorca away from home on Sunday evening.

Goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal secured a comfortable win for the reigning champions against Mallorca, who were reduced to nine men before half-time.

Ronald Araujo captained the side on the day, and Pedri shone in midfield as expected. After the match, both players spoke of the importance of their summer preparations and expressed confidence in maintaining their physical sharpness as the season unfolds.

Araujo happy with clean sheet

Araujo reflected positively on Barcelona’s performance in Son Moix, expressing his happiness at how the team controlled the game and came away with a win at a difficult stadium.

“It was very hot, but the team came out with that intensity that characterises us,” said the Uruguayan centre-back.

“I’m happy because it was clear from the start what we wanted. In the first half, they had two expulsions and had to drop back, and we were able to control the match very well,” Araujo further added.

“I’m happy to start scoring points here, at a pitch that is always difficult. Three points and to keep going.”

Araujo was also asked about the move that led to Ferran Torres’ goal, in which the Mallorca players stopped after seeing that Raillo had fallen to the ground.

But the Uruguayan pointed out: “The referee did not whistle, and until he whistles, you have to continue the play.”

Ronald Araujo captained Barcelona against Mallorca. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Araujo also wanted to highlight the work carried out in pre-season weeks, saying: “I did a good pre-season at the physical level and it was something that I needed to gain confidence.”

Concluding, he added: “Happy for the clean sheet. It is something that we always talk about with our teammates. We talk with Cuba and with Joan about conceding fewer goals.

“In the style that we play, we are always very exposed, but by correcting that, we can concede few goals. Personally, the truth is that I am happy. I feel good.”

Pedri reacts

Midfielder Pedri, who was once again a standout for Barcelona, echoed his teammate’s sentiments, underlining the impact of an uninterrupted summer of pre-season.

“We have always worked very well. This pre-season we were able to train all together from the beginning, and that I think gives us a plus. I think that we have done a good pre-season and now to continue the season as we are,” said Pedri.

Giving an update on his own physical condition coming into the new season, the midfield maestro added:

“I feel very good. Personally, it had been a long time since I had done a pre-season from the beginning.

“There were always national teams, injuries, anything that prevented me from doing it, but now I feel very good, with a lot of desire and, above all, with the necessary physical condition.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo