Barcelona narrowly won a thrilling Catalonian derby on Saturday, beating Girona 2-1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, thanks to a last-minute goal by Ronald Araújo. This victory put Hansi Flick’s team back at the top of La Liga and provided a dramatic response to the scrutiny that followed two straight defeats before the international break.
Opening Protest and Fast Start
The match started unusually, with both teams standing still for 15 seconds after kickoff to protest La Liga’s decision to move Barcelona’s December game against Villarreal to Miami. This moment symbolized unity and briefly interrupted what would turn into a fierce local battle.
Once play restarted, Barcelona quickly found their groove. In the 13th minute, Pedri broke the deadlock with a stylish finish after a great team move involving Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong, and the returning Lamine Yamal. The teenage winger marked his comeback with his fourth assist of the season by tricking Girona’s defense before setting up Pedri, who calmly scored off the inside of the post.
However, Girona did not fold under pressure. Just seven minutes later, they created a moment of magic that stunned the home crowd. After a corner was only partially cleared, Axel Witsel remained forward and improvised brilliantly, executing an acrobatic bicycle kick that sailed past Wojciech Szczęsny into the far corner, leveling the match at 1-1.
Girona’s Resistance and Rashford’s Frustration
The equalizer shifted momentum sharply in favor of the visitors. Girona pressed high and created several chances. Vladyslav Vanat forced Szczęsny into a sharp save, Portu hit the post from close range, and Bryan Gil wasted another breakaway opportunity. Barcelona, rattled by Girona’s intensity, defended deeper than usual, relying on quick transitions to relieve pressure.
Marcus Rashford, still looking for his first league goal in October, came closest to putting Barça back in the lead. In the 30th minute, his free-kick struck the crossbar while Paulo Gazzaniga remained rooted to the spot. He later had two efforts saved—one curling high toward the top corner, and another low and hard at the near post. On another night, the Englishman could have easily scored twice, but luck was not on his side.
Flick’s Tactics and Second-Half Adjustments
Hansi Flick, managing a depleted squad missing Raphinha, Lewandowski, and García, made adjustments after halftime. He brought in Fermín López to add creativity and pace. López nearly justified the change by hitting the post from long range and regularly slicing through Girona’s midfield.
Barcelona started to dominate possession, ending the match with 68%, but their control lacked a finishing touch. Pau Cubarsí thought he had scored from a set-piece, but VAR ruled it offside. Rashford missed another close-range chance, while Yamal’s curling shot drifted just wide.
As both sides began to tire, frustration appeared. Flick protested a denied penalty appeal after López was clipped at the edge of the box. When referee Soto Grado sent him off in the 88th minute for dissent, it looked like Barcelona’s evening might end in disappointment.
Araujo the Late Hero
Then came a remarkable finale. In stoppage time, substitute Ronald Araújo—having pushed forward as an auxiliary striker—met a low cross from Frenkie de Jong and guided the ball into the bottom-left corner past a stranded Gazzaniga. The stadium erupted as Araújo sprinted toward the fans with his arms outstretched, although he received a booking for his exuberant celebration.
The timing of the goal was perfect. Just moments after Flick’s dismissal, the defender known for his grit and leadership secured a crucial victory that lifted team morale ahead of next week’s El Clásico against Real Madrid. The Barcelona bench emptied in joy as players surrounded Araujo, who appeared almost in tears during the celebration.
Player Performances
Several players stood out in a match filled with intensity and drama. Pedri, showing off his best form, served as the creative anchor, blending vision with precision. Yamal, at just 18, displayed maturity beyond his years and remained vital on the right flank. Although Rashford struggled with his finishing, his link-up play and pressing were essential in disrupting Girona’s buildup.
In defense, Christensen and Koundé handled Girona’s aerial threats, while Szczęsny made three critical saves to keep Barcelona in the match. Yet the true hero was Araújo, whose leadership went beyond his goal. He rallied his teammates after Flick’s expulsion and led the charge for victory.
Despite the loss, Girona received praise for their performance. Witsel’s stunning equalizer showcased his experience and composure, while Paulo Gazzaniga’s eight saves kept them in the game until the end. Míchel’s side remains a threat on the counterattack but struggles with consistency in finishing—a problem that has plagued them throughout the 2025–26 season.
Tactical Breakdown
Barcelona’s 4-2-3-1 system under Flick continues to evolve. Against Girona, he experimented by placing Rashford on the left, Yamal on the right, and Pedri as a roaming No. 10. This setup allowed for fluidity but created gaps during transitions that Girona exploited well. Flick’s choice to move Araújo forward late in the game mirrored an old-school tactical gamble, which ultimately paid off.
Girona played boldly, pressing in a 4-4-2 shape that shifted to a 4-3-3 during attacks. Witsel’s movement between lines and Asprilla’s speed consistently troubled Barcelona. Still, their compact defense faltered in injury time when Barcelona overran the right flank to create Araujo’s decisive chance.
Implications and Looking Ahead
With this win, Barcelona now leads the La Liga table with 22 points from nine matches (7 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), one point ahead of Real Madrid, who take on Getafe on Sunday. Girona sits in the lower midtable with just 8 points, although their spirited performance suggests they could achieve better results soon.
This victory could mark a turning point for Barcelona’s season. Coming off two consecutive defeats and facing increasing scrutiny of Hansi Flick’s methods, the team’s resilience and ability to maintain a strong mentality in late-game situations serve as a reminder of their championship quality. However, Flick’s red card means he will miss the touchline for El Clásico—a setback that might challenge the team’s discipline.
The fans leaving the Estadi Olímpic felt electric, having witnessed another memorable Catalan derby that blended tactical strategy, individual brilliance, and emotional drama. Now, the focus turns to Real Madrid next week, where Barcelona, lifted by Araujo’s heroics, will aim to solidify their position at the top of Spanish football.
