Barcelona claim La Liga lead with last minute win

In a dramatic turn of events, Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga on Saturday, thanks to Ronald Araujo’s last-gasp goal in the 93rd minute, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona. The Uruguayan defender, deployed as an emergency striker, delivered the decisive blow, handing Barca a one-point lead over Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Sunday. This crucial win came after two consecutive defeats, offering a much-needed boost for Hansi Flick’s side. Barcelona’s early lead, courtesy of Pedri Gonzalez’s composed finish, was canceled out by Axel Witsel’s spectacular overhead kick. Despite a lackluster performance, Barca’s resilience shone through as Araujo’s late strike snatched all three points. Flick, who made tactical substitutions with an eye on upcoming Champions League and Clasico fixtures, acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized the importance of the victory. Girona, despite their spirited display, were left ruing missed opportunities as they suffered their fifth defeat of the season. Elsewhere, Antony’s brace helped Real Betis secure a 2-2 draw against Villarreal, keeping the race for the top spots tightly contested.