Brazilian striker Araujo scored his 31st league goal of the season as leader Gamba Osaka returned to winning ways with a 2-1 defeat of Urawa Reds in the J. League first division on Saturday.
Fernandinho fired Gamba into a 30th-minute lead, and Araujo added the second six minutes from time at Expo Stadium to give his side the perfect tonic after last week's Nabisco Cup final defeat to JEF United Chiba. Alessandro Santos replied with a late free kick for Urawa.
Gamba, which had lost its previous two league matches, moved three points clear at the top of the table after second-place Kashima Antlers were held to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Tokyo.
"It was a very tough match, but our fans really got behind us today and that's why I was able to get that goal. I'm pleased I was able to take that chance," said Araujo.