Ronald Araujo Scores Late Winner as Barcelona Beat Girona, Flick to Miss El Clasico

Barcelona staged a dramatic comeback in La Liga as Ronald Araujo scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Girona on Saturday, October 18. The win ended a brief two-match losing streak and moved Barcelona to the top of the La Liga table, one point ahead of Real Madrid ahead of next week’s highly anticipated El Clasico.

Substitute Araujo, introduced in the 82nd minute as an emergency forward due to injuries to key attackers Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, displayed the instincts of a striker to clinch the match. Sprinting to the near post, he slid in front of his marker to redirect Frenkie de Jong’s low cross past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, sparking wild celebrations at the Olympic Stadium.

“I am really happy for Ronald because he always plays with his whole heart for this team,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said post-match. “I asked him if he could help in attack — and he didn’t hesitate.”

Araujo praised the team’s resilience:

“We knew we were coming from two tough losses, but with hunger and hard work, we turned it around. Girona made it difficult, but we fought until the very end.”

Flick Sent Off Ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona’s Hansi Flick was sent off in the closing minutes after receiving two yellow cards for protesting the referee’s decision to add only four minutes of stoppage time. His dismissal means he will miss the upcoming El Clasico, marking the first time he will not be on the touchline for a clash against Real Madrid.

Match Highlights

• Pedri Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliant angled finish.

• Girona responded swiftly as Axel Witsel volleyed in a bicycle kick seven minutes later.

• Girona dominated the first half, with chances from Cristian Portu and Bryan Gil thwarted by fine goalkeeping from Wojciech Szczesny.

• In the second half, Paulo Gazzaniga denied attempts from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford, until Araujo’s decisive touch sealed victory for Barcelona.

Girona coach Michel Sanchez admitted the defeat was frustrating:

“In the final minutes, they could only threaten with crosses — we cleared two, and the third one went in.”

Barcelona’s Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

The win elevates Barcelona to the top of the La Liga table, restoring confidence ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Olympiakos on Tuesday and the season’s first El Clasico next weekend.