Barcelona left it late however discovered their spark once more as Ronald Araújo’s dramatic stoppage-time strike earned them a 2-1 win over Girona on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The victory their first in three video games not solely put them again on prime of LaLiga but in addition restored perception after a turbulent few weeks, Softfootball stories.
Hansi Flick’s males got here into the Catalan derby determined to reply after being humbled 4-1 by Sevilla earlier than the worldwide break. The environment in Montjuïc was tense however hopeful, and Barça began like a crew with a degree to show. Marcus Rashford compelled Paulo Gazzaniga into an early save with a thunderous free-kick, whereas teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, making his return after a brief spell out injured, brought on infinite issues down the proper.
The stress lastly instructed when Pedri produced a second of magic dancing via visitors and rolling a intelligent end in off the submit to place Barcelona forward and prolong their unimaginable report of 47 straight video games with a purpose. It was precisely the type of begin Flick would have dreamt of.
However Girona had no intention of being passengers on this derby. They weathered the early storm and struck again via the skilled Axel Witsel, who shocked the house crowd with a sensational overhead kick to make it 1-1. Instantly, the sport was large open. Girona even got here near taking the lead when Portu hit the submit, whereas on the different finish, Gazzaniga pulled off an acrobatic save to disclaim Frenkie de Jong.
The depth didn’t dip after the break. Fermín López tried his luck from distance, Rashford noticed a collection of efforts saved, and the rain solely added to the chaos. Girona threatened on the counter, with Bryan Gil lacking a golden likelihood, however it was Barça who regarded likelier to discover a winner as they pinned their guests again within the closing phases.
With time operating out, frustration started to creep in. Flick was proven a crimson card for dissent because it regarded like one other irritating night time was on the playing cards for his crew. However then, within the 93rd minute, Ronald Araújo popped up on the far submit to smash dwelling a unfastened ball and ship the stadium into pandemonium.
Throughout the recreation, Barcelona official X deal with couldn’t resist posting Araujo’s celebration after scoring the winner towards Girona, They posted:
It wasn’t fairly, and it definitely wasn’t straightforward, however this was an announcement win, the type of victory that can provide momentum to a season. Girona, in the meantime, will probably be left questioning what extra they might have completed, as their run of 12 straight defeats after conceding first continues, a streak that started towards Barcelona final March.
For Barça, it was all about coronary heart, resilience, and a much-needed reminder that even in chaos, they nonetheless know easy methods to discover a means.
