Brazilian striker Araujo returned to Shizuoka to haunt his former employers by grabbing his 28th goal of the season as Gamba Osaka thrashed Shimizu S-Pulse 4-1 to go three points clear at the top of the J. League on Sunday.
Shimizu striker Cho Jae Jin gifted Gamba the lead with an own goal and a clinical strike from the impressive Fernandinho in the 42nd minute put the visitor firmly in control at Nihondaira Stadium.
Masashi Oguro punished poor defending to kill the game off with the third in the 50th and Araujo poked home before S-Pulse replied with a late consolation from Keisuke Ota.
With eight games left, Gamba has 51 points with Kashima Antlers, who were held to a 2-2 draw at home to JEF United Chiba on Saturday, in second on 48.