Barcelona locker room sees key defender as an example after heroics vs Girona | OneFootball

Barcelona managed to secure a narrow 2-1 win over local rivals Girona this past weekend, courtesy of some late heroics from Ronald Araujo.

Coming on as a late substitute, being deployed as an emergency centre-forward, Araujo immediately put pressure on the Girona defensive line before coming up with the winning goal to spark widespread celebrations at Montjuic.

Araujo seen as a reference by Barcelona

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona players and manager Hansi Flick see araujo as an inspiration ahead of a decisive week in which they play Olympiacos and Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan centre-back, transformed into a makeshift striker and eventual match-winner, embodied the determination, faith, and selflessness that Flick wants to see from his squad during a fragile spell marked by injuries and inconsistency.

After two consecutive losses and a desperate victory, Flick finds himself puzzled and unsettled by his team’s uneven form. The players share that confusion.

Setting an example. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The side that dazzled last season with structure, control, and sharpness now appears uncertain and disconnected. Injuries are part of the story, but so are doubts in the collective game plan.

In this context, Flick’s message is clear: unity, effort, and belief. And no one embodies that more than Araujo.

Rested after missing international duty, the Uruguayan began the Girona match on the bench. But when Flick asked if he felt ready to play as a striker in the moment of need, he did not hesitate.

Introduced in the 82nd minute with the score at 1-1, Araujo instantly changed the dynamic. His presence forced Girona to retreat deeper. Before netting the winner, the defender even produced a dangerous cross after a sprint down the right flank.

For Flick and the dressing room, Araujo’s commitment has become the reference point ahead of a crucial week with two huge games coming up.