Barcelona regain La Liga top spot thanks to Araujo’s dramatic late winner | OneFootball

Barcelona secured a late 2-1 win over Girona in La Liga at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts expectedly dominated possession from the outset and reaped the rewards of their bright start in the 13th minute when Pedri opened the scoring.

The Spaniard received a pass inside the area from Lamine Yamal, before evading his markers and picking out the bottom corner.

Girona drew level in the 20th minute when Axel Witsel produced a superb effort to fire the ball beyond goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The equaliser temporarily switched momentum in favour of the visitors, and they had the chance to go ahead in the 25th minute, but Portu’s effort was deflected off the right post.

Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga then made a brilliant save to deny Frenkie de Jong before Marcus Rashford’s free-kick hit the woodwork.

Four minutes before the end of the first half, Witsel missed an opportunity to put Girona ahead, firing narrowly just wide of the post from inside the box.

The second half began with both teams displaying attacking intent. Substitute Fermin Lopez registered an attempt on goal for Barcelona, and Bryan Gil did the same at the other end.

Pau Cubarsi thought he had given Barcelona the lead just after the hour mark, putting the ball home from a corner-kick, but his goal was ruled out for a foul during the build-up.

Rashford missed two consecutive chances to put Barcelona ahead, firing his first effort wide and seeing his second attempt denied by Gazzaniga’s superb stop.

The game ended dramatically, as manager Hansi Flick was shown a red card for dissent before Ronald Araujo sealed a last-gasp winner for Barcelona.

The victory helps Barcelona regain top spot in La Liga, one point clear of Real Madrid, who play Getafe on Sunday.