The Uruguayan defender became the unexpected hero at Montjuïc as Barça edged Girona 2-1 in a tense, rain-soaked Catalan derby.
FC Barcelona returned to the top of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 thanks to a dramatic goal from Ronald Araujo deep into stoppage time. In a thrilling match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Blaugrana fought until the very end to secure three priceless points that keep them one step ahead of Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s men struggled more than expected against a resilient Girona side, who threatened repeatedly and even had the referee’s decisions in their favor at key moments. Despite the win, concerns remain about the team’s defensive fragility and lack of finishing efficiency.
Barcelona Suffer but Strike Late
Injuries forced Hansi Flick to make significant changes to his starting lineup, with Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford leading the attack alongside academy talent Toni Fernández. The hosts started strong and took the lead in the 13th minute through Pedri González, who finished off a beautiful team move with a calm low strike into the corner.
Girona hit back almost immediately. In the 20th minute, Axel Witsel equalized with an acrobatic overhead kick after a corner, catching Szczesny off guard. The goal stunned Barcelona, and the visitors grew in confidence, hitting the post twice before halftime while heavy rain poured down in Montjuïc.
Barça created numerous chances but struggled to beat Gazzaniga, who pulled off several key saves. By the break, the game was wide open, with the hosts frustrated by both missed opportunities and questionable refereeing.
Flick Expelled as Frustrations Boil Over
In the second half, Fermín López replaced Toni Fernández and nearly changed the match. The midfielder hit the post and forced Gazzaniga into more saves from long range. However, the referee Jesús Gil Manzano once again became the center of controversy.
In the 73rd minute, Marcus Rashford was struck in the face by Girona defender Vitor Reis inside the box, but the referee and VAR ignored the incident. Earlier, a goal by Pau Cubarsí had been disallowed for a soft foul by Eric García, further enraging the Barça bench.
Tensions peaked when Hansi Flick was shown a red card in stoppage time for protesting the lack of added time. The German coach, visibly furious, was sent off and will miss the upcoming El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Araujo Becomes the Unexpected Hero
With time running out, Flick made a bold move in the 80th minute, bringing on Ronald Araujo as an emergency striker. The gamble paid off. In the 90+3 minute, Frenkie de Jong broke down the right and crossed low into the box, where Araujo pounced ahead of the Girona defenders to score the winning goal.
The Uruguayan’s powerful finish sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory and sent Montjuïc into chaos. It was a true captain’s performance and a reminder of Araujo’s importance not just as a defender, but as a leader willing to rise to any occasion.
Key Numbers and Milestones
The match also marked the 200th goal of the Hansi Flick era, with Pedri’s opener adding another milestone to the German coach’s high-scoring tenure. Barcelona have now scored 23 league goals this season and 125 since Flick’s arrival, averaging 2.83 goals per match across all competitions.
However, the defensive concerns remain. Girona repeatedly exploited Barça’s high line, creating several one-on-one chances that could have changed the outcome. Flick’s red card adds another layer of difficulty ahead of the upcoming Clásico, where assistant coaches will need to lead from the sidelines.
Bottom Line
Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Girona was a mix of relief and reflection. The team showed character, resilience, and fighting spirit, but also left clear signs that consistency and concentration must improve.
For now, the Blaugrana are back on top of LaLiga, driven by the unstoppable determination of Ronald Araujo, who once again proved why he is one of the emotional leaders of this team.
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