Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo was happy with their 2-1 defeat of Shakhtar Donetsk.

Araujo rates the win as significant given their recent history in the Champions League.

He said: "We knew it was going to be intense. They had fast players, they had the ball a lot, it wasn't easy. The first half was spectacular, to score more goals and close the game. In the second we lowered the intensity. We had been two years without achieving 9 points and it is something important.

"We know where we come from, two years without passing the group stage. We are on the right track. We must continue along this line.

"I'm very happy for those who are coming up. They have an incredible courage that was not seen before, they are not afraid, in training they stand out and are daring. You give them a kick and they get up again. We played today with a lot of young players, from below."

On facing Real Madrid this weekend, Araujo added: "We have quite a few casualties. There are no excuses. It is a very important game. We can pass them on the table. Let's rest and prepare for the game, which will be very nice."