The Enigmatic Celebration: Araújo's Skyward Moment in Barca's Copa del Rey Triumph
4 February 2026
Match Context
Barcelona faced Albacete Balompié in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and won 2-1, thanks to a first goal from Lamine Yamal and a second headed by Ronald Araújo. Javi Moreno scored for the hosts three minutes from the end.
Noteworthy Celebration
Araújo celebrated by heading in from a corner delivered by Marcus Rashford, and wearing the captain armband for the first time in two months after a difficult spell including a night against Chelsea.
Look of Faith
Sport described the night as extraordinary for the Uruguayan defender. He celebrated with a hand over his face as if wearing a mask and then raised his left arm toward the sky, a sign many interpreted as a display of faith and gratitude for his mental clarity and recovery.
The article notes that he had been sent off against Chelsea last November, which led to a period away from the squad before returning to action.
Punchline: If prayers counted as assists, Araújo would lead the league by a mile. Punchline 2: Barca celebrations are so sky-high that they might require a weather forecast.
