Ronald Araujo struck in the 93rd minute to earn Barcelona a dramatic 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday, lifting the champions to the top of La Liga. The Uruguayan defender, deployed as an emergency forward, headed home Frenkie de Jong’s cross to give Barca a one-point lead over Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Sunday.
Barcelona had taken an early lead through Pedri Gonzalez in the 13th minute after a well-timed combination with Jules Kounde and Lamine Yamal. However, Girona quickly responded, with Axel Witsel producing a stunning overhead kick in the 20th minute to level the score and threaten a shock result.
Despite Girona pressing and creating several chances, including efforts from Vladyslav Vanat and Cristian Portu, Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny remained alert, with Vanat denied on a breakaway and Portu striking the post. Marcus Rashford’s free-kick also rattled the crossbar as the first half ended all square.
The second half saw Barcelona intensify, though a Pau Cubarsi goal was disallowed for a foul by Eric Garcia in the build-up. Coach Hansi Flick made surprising substitutions, resting Pedri and Yamal with Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Olympiacos and next weekend’s Clasico in mind. Substitutes Fermin Lopez and others made notable contributions, but a breakthrough was elusive.
In a desperate tactical move, Flick sent centre-back Araujo forward in the closing stages. The gamble paid off when the 24-year-old delivered in stoppage time, finishing de Jong’s cross to secure all three points. Araujo celebrated by removing his shirt, capping a tense encounter after Barcelona struggled to assert themselves in the second half.
The win ends a run of two consecutive defeats and provides a morale boost for Barca, who now lead La Liga thanks to Araujo’s late heroics.
