Lorraine Williamson
The Catalan derby rarely disappoints — and Saturday’s La Liga showdown between Barcelona and Girona was no exception. Under the lights at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, fans witnessed a fast, fiery and unpredictable contest that ended 2-1 to Barcelona thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Ronald Araujo.
From the first whistle, both sides tore forward with intent. Within just 13 minutes, Barcelona were ahead — Pedri calmly finishing after a slick exchange through midfield.
But Girona refused to be rattled. Minutes later, Álex García stunned the home crowd with a magnificent curling strike from distance, levelling the score at 1-1. The equaliser sparked chaos — chances poured in at both ends, tackles flew, and the pace barely dipped.
The opening 45 minutes felt more like a cup final than a league fixture. Lamine Yamal, starting wide on the right, was dazzling — twisting past defenders and linking beautifully with Pedri and João Félix. Yet, for all their flair, Barcelona couldn’t find a second goal before the interval.
Fatigue and frustration in the second half
The tempo slowed after the restart. Barcelona still dominated possession, but Girona’s compact shape forced them to work for every inch. Both Pedri and Yamal were withdrawn midway through the half to inject fresh legs, and their absence was felt immediately — the rhythm faltered and precision waned.
Girona grew bolder on the counter, twice coming close to taking the lead through Artem Dovbyk. At the other end, Ferran Torres and Raphinha both had chances to restore Barcelona’s advantage.
Tensions boiled over late on when manager Hansi Flick was shown a red card for protesting a refereeing decision. With the score locked at 1-1 and four minutes of stoppage time signalled, the game seemed destined for a draw.
Late heartbreak for Girona
Then came the twist. Deep into added time, Barcelona won a late corner. The delivery found Ronald Araujo, who rose highest to power home the decisive header. The stadium erupted, sealing a vital victory that lifts Barcelona up the La Liga table and preserves their unbeaten run at home.
Key performers
Pedri and Yamal were outstanding in the first half, orchestrating much of Barcelona’s attacking play before fatigue saw both substituted. Frenkie de Jong dictated the tempo from deep, while Araujo’s late heroics will dominate the headlines.
For Girona, Álex García and Miguel Gutiérrez impressed throughout, embodying the team’s courage and composure in one of the most testing fixtures of their season.
What this result means
Barcelona’s win provides a timely confidence boost ahead of their next fixtures — though Flick’s red card means he may face a touchline ban. Girona, meanwhile, will feel unlucky to leave empty-handed after matching their illustrious rivals for most of the game.
The Catalan derby once again lived up to its reputation: high-speed, high-emotion and ultimately decided by fine margins.
Final Score:
Barcelona 2 – 1 Girona
(Pedri 13’; Álex García 21’; Araujo 90 + 4)