‘If I played as a striker, I could score many more’ — Araujo jokes after sending Barcelona top of LaLiga

Ronald Araujo was Barcelona’s unlikely hero on Saturday night as his stoppage-time strike earned a 2–1 win over Girona, sending Barça to the top of LaLiga.

The Uruguayan defender, who came off the bench late in the match, sealed all three points in dramatic fashion and then joked that maybe he should be playing up front more often.

In a tense encounter at the Estadi Olímpic, Girona looked ready to snatch a valuable point before Araujo popped up deep into added time to rescue Xavi’s side. Speaking after the match, the Uruguayan couldn’t help but laugh about his rare goalscoring moment.

“Everyone knows I usually play as a defender; if I played as a striker, I could score many more. No, just kidding,” Araujo said with a grin. “Yes, the coach asked me if I could play up front. While we were warming up I said, ‘If I come on, I’ll score.’ And everyone laughed. But that’s how it went. Very happy.”

Barcelona had taken the lead early through Pedri, who finished off a neat move involving Lamine Yamal, but Girona equalised soon after through Axel Witsel’s spectacular bicycle kick.

Both sides had chances to win it, with Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford striking the woodwork before Araujo’s late intervention decided the contest.

Before kickoff, players from both sides stood still for 15 seconds in protest against LaLiga’s plan to move a December fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to the United States.

Once the game got underway, Barcelona dominated possession and chances, but Girona’s resilience made for a nervy night.

Ultimately, Araujo’s winner ensured that Barcelona moved one point clear of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand ahead of their trip to Getafe.

With momentum on their side, Hansi Flick’s men now turn their focus to the Champions League clash with Olympiacos before a massive El Clásico showdown next weekend where Araujo might just fancy another run up front.