Flick Sent Off But Araujo Saves the Day! Late Strike Drags Barcelona Back To Top Of La Liga

Ronald Araujo came to Barcelona’s rescue with a 93rd-minute winner to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday and send the defending champions top of La Liga.

Thrown forward as a makeshift striker, the Uruguayan defender smashed home Frenkie de Jong’s cross deep in stoppage time, lifting Hansi Flick’s side one point above Real Madrid, who visit Getafe on Sunday.

Barcelona looked headed for a third straight setback after Axel Witsel’s stunning overhead kick cancelled out Pedri’s early opener, but Araujo’s late intervention secured three priceless points — and perhaps a little breathing room for Flick.

“We didn’t play our best match, but we fought to the end,” said Flick. “Sometimes you just have to grind it out — this win gives us confidence

back.”

Pedri’s touch, Witsel’s wonder, and missed chances galore

Barca took the lead in the 13th minute when Lamine Yamal — back from injury — combined with Jules Kounde to set up Pedri, who coolly rolled the ball into the bottom corner.

Girona hit back quickly through Witsel’s acrobatic equaliser, then went on to torment Barca’s shaky high line. Vladyslav Vanat forced a strong save from Wojciech Szczesny, Cristian Portu hit the post, and Bryan Gil missed another gilt-edged chance.

At the other end, Marcus Rashford rattled the crossbar with a free kick before the break, but Barca’s attack fizzled out in a subdued second half.

Desperation turns to celebration

Flick, already managing an injury-hit squad without Robert Lewandowski, surprised many by substituting both Yamal and Pedri ahead of a busy week that includes the Champions League clash with Olympiakos and El Clásico.

But his late gamble — sending Araujo up front — paid off spectacularly. The centre-back’s finish sparked wild celebrations, capped by a shirtless roar toward the home fans.

“We needed this,” Flick admitted. “We’re missing a bit of our usual spark, but that goal might just bring it back.”

Flick was later sent off for dissent, meaning he’ll likely miss the touchline for the Clasico next weekend. Girona, meanwhile, were left ruing missed chances after a fifth defeat of the campaign.

“It’s tough to lose like that,” said Witsel. “We played well enough to win — but if you don’t take your chances against Barcelona, you get punished.”

(with AFP inputs)