Defender Ronald Araujo, playing as an emergency forward, scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Barcelona a vital 2-1 victory over Girona, sending them to the top of La Liga.
Pedri opened the scoring for the hosts in the 13th minute, but Girona quickly equalized seven minutes later through Axel Witsel’s fantastic overhead kick.
Despite missed chances, including a free-kick off the bar by loanee Marcus Rashford, Barcelona found their winner in the 93rd minute when Araujo steered a Frenkie de Jong pass home, ending the team’s two-match losing streak.
The victory was marred by controversy as manager Hansi Flick was sent off for his reaction to the stoppage time indicated, meaning he will miss the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26.
