Liverpool had a magical night at Anfield as the Reds faced Atlético de Madrid in their first UEFA Champions League game of the season.
The game ended 3-2 as Diego Simeone’s men couldn’t hold Virgil van Dijk during injury time. The Reds skipper scored a header off Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner to end the night on a high.
Alexander Isak made his Liverpool debut as Arne Slot was impressed by the Swede’s fitness. Interestingly, the next day, Isak’s former club Newcastle United faced FC Barcelona on a Champions League night.
Barça visited St. James Park as Marcus Rashford’s double helped them win the night on the Isles. The Englishman was the star of the show, previously having struggled in England with Manchester United.
The Merseysiders’ target, Ronald Araújo, started for the Blaugrana after a long time. The Uruguayan got his first start after spending a significant time on the bench in La Liga.
The defender also proved his mettle alongside Rashford, as a strong performance did contribute to the Spanish giants’ win against the Magpies.
Having broken through under Ronald Koeman, Araújo was a first-team regular for Barcelona even under club legend Xavi Hernández.
Unfortunately, after a hamstring injury last season, the Uruguayan found it difficult to get back into full form and has suffered from less game time under Hansi Flick.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Luis Suárez recommends Ronald Araújo to join Liverpool
Ronald Araújo has been linked to Liverpool recently (Credits: Imago Images)
Former Red Luis Suárez has urged Ronald Araújo to join Liverpool, according to e-noticias. Despite a highly successful campaign in Spain last season, the Uruguayan defender has started three games out of five this season.
We previously reported that the Reds are willing to make a £43.5m move for Araújo. Ibrahima Konaté is expected to depart at the end of the season.
The Frenchman’s contract is due in the summer of 2026, and there have been no further extension talks since the last ones fell out.
Konaté’s agent was in talks with the management for a renewal. Unfortunately, the defender doesn’t seem interested in continuing his career at Anfield.
Real Madrid are confident of signing him in the summer. However, Arne Slot is keen on putting the 26-year-old centre-back on sale in the winter.
Another Reds defender, Joe Gomez, has also received interest from AC Milan and might be tempted by a move with more playing time in Italy.
This makes the deal for Araújo more and more plausible. Marc Guéhi might also arrive in the summer, but the Englishman alone can’t fill all the gaps against two departures.
