Heroic Ronald Araujo seals late Barcelona victory in Catalan derby

Barcelona 1-1 Girona

Barcelona have returned to winning ways in dramatic fashion, edging out Girona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Hansi Flick was able to call upon the returning Lamine Yamal for this one, and 13 minutes in, he made an impact. His pass reached Pedri inside the penalty area, and after running away from goal, the midfielder reversed the ball into the far corner via the post. It was a fantastic finish from the Spaniard, who got his second of the season in finding the back of the net.

But Barcelona’s lead lasted less than 10 minutes, as Girona got an equaliser in spectacular fashion. Following a corner, the ball came back into the penalty area, and Axel Witsel was on hand to score via a bicycle kick.

Girona really should have got their second soon after, as they had a number of big chances. Vladyslav Vanat saw a 1-on-1 saved by Wojciech Szczesny, as Portu hit the post with a similar effort minutes later. Bryan Gil also missed a glorious opportunity, before Witsel send an effort agonisinly wide.

Flick took off Lamine Yamal and Pedri on the hour mark ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures, and it appeared that the contest would fizzle out. But in the third minute of stoppage time, makeshift striker Ronald Araujo came up with a huge goal, as he got across the front post to poke home Frenkie de Jong’s cross, which sparked wild scenes in Montjuic.

Barcelona go back to the top of La Liga – for now

The result means that Barcelona have returned to the summit of the La Liga standings, although they will be displaced if Real Madrid defeat Getafe on Sunday. Regardless, it is a huge result for the Catalans, who will take confidence into El Clasico next weekend.