Last season, with Real Madrid almost champions of La Liga, Barcelona thrashed Los Blancos at the Bernabeu (0-4) in what was Xavi's first great victory as coach. On that day, Araujo was deployed at right-back to cover Vinicius, the most in-form opponent. The Brazilian did not get a sniff of the ball and the Uruguayan even managed to score a goal.
This season, in the first Clasico, Xavi tried with Sergi Roberto, but the experiment didn't work out and their eternal enemy claimed the win (3-1). So in the Super Cup final, Araujo was the one who had to play on the right. The result was a resounding victory for Barça (1-3) and once again Vini was missing in action and frustrated. Very frustrated.
A month later, the two met again, this time in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Once again, the Azulgrana, with Araujo's speed and anticipation, were able to overcome Real and Vinicius and won 1-0.
There is no doubt that this Sunday Xavi will again use Araujo as the antidote to Vinicius. The Brazilian will be the man to stop and he seems to have re-emerged as Madrid's most dangerous forward.
Alexander-Arnold was no match for him in the Champions League, but with Araujo in front of him, the test is set to be far more significant. Whoever wins the duel between the South Americans will no doubt contribute largely to their team's victory or defeat.
