Araujo’s
Dramatic Stoppage-Time Winner Propels Barcelona to League Top

Barcelona,
19 Oct (ONA)— Ronald Araujo emerged as an unlikely hero, scoring a
sensational 92nd-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona over a
resilient Girona and send his side to the top of the Spanish La Liga table.

In a
dramatic finale at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, the Uruguayan
centre-back, who had been introduced as a makeshift striker for the final eight
minutes, arrived at the back post to convert Frenkie de Jong’s driven cross.
The goal sparked scenes of delirium, ending Barcelona’s two-match losing streak
in the most dramatic fashion.

The
hosts had taken the lead in the first half through Pedri, who expertly found
the bottom corner with a low strike from the edge of the area that cannoned in
off the post.

However,
Girona produced a stunning equaliser against the run of play. Following a
corner, veteran defender Axel Witsel connected with a spectacular overhead kick
that left the Barcelona defence stunned.

Barcelona
created numerous opportunities to retake the lead, with loanee Marcus Rashford
at the heart of their efforts. Rashford was unfortunate not to score in the
first half, seeing a well-struck free-kick rebound off the crossbar. After the
break, he spurned a golden opportunity, somehow turning a low cross wide from
close range.

The tension boiled over in the dying
moments when Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was dismissed for his protests upon
seeing the fourth official indicate only four minutes of stoppage time. The
dismissal means Flick will be absent from the touchline for the club’s next
league fixture—the season’s first El Clasico against Real Madrid on 26 October.

— Ends/Khalid