FC Barcelona ended their losing run before the October international break with a hard-fought win over Girona in their last La Liga game. The two sides scored one goal each in the first twenty minutes, but after that, it was only in injury time that Ronald Araujo scored the third goal of the game to give the Blaugranes the win.
But despite the win, there is a feeling at the Catalan club that the team is not performing at the level it did in the last season, when the squad performed like a highly reliable and precise machine. As things stand, both the manager and the team is showing a lot of weaknesses and doubts, which are apparent by the frequent changes in the starting eleven and the mistakes committed on the pitch.
In such a context, Mundo Deportivo reports that Araujo’s performance against Girona is emerging as a message that Flick is giving to his dressing room to bring back unity. The defender came on to the pitch only in the 82nd minute, but he was still able to make a difference, while playing far away from his natural position, in this short time.
When Flick asked Araujo if he could see himself playing as an attacker, the center-back didn’t hesitate. He put on his shirt, told a staff member with confidence that he would score, and he did. His spirit of sacrifice and determination shone through in every moment on the pitch.
Araujo’s cameo was short but full of purpose. In just a few touches, he managed to disrupt Girona’s defensive structure with his physical presence, winning an aerial duel, recovering two balls, and even attempting a cross before sealing the win with his dramatic late goal.
The €35 million-rated Uruguayan defender’s accuracy was impressive too, completing three of his four passes before being booked for his emotional celebration.
This attitude is exactly what Flick expects from his players during a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistency. The German coach, much like his squad, is still searching for the stability that defined Barcelona’s game last season.
Frequent tactical adjustments, including changes at halftime in nearly every league match, highlight the team’s ongoing struggle to find balance and rhythm.
As Barcelona prepare for a crucial week featuring games against Olympiacos in the Champions League and Real Madrid in El Clásico, Araujo’s fighting spirit has become a guiding example.
His willingness to step into an unfamiliar role and deliver when it mattered most has reminded the entire Barcelona dressing room of what the team needs most right now: unity, conviction, and the courage to face adversity head-on.