Barca secured an emotional victory after coach Hansi Flick was shown a red card.

Barcelona managed to claim a tough 3 points against Girona on the day coach Hansi Flick was sent off.

On this day (18/10), Barcelona welcomed Girona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys during the 9th round of La Liga. In the first half, Hansi Flick’s squad held possession for 70%, establishing dominance with attackers such as Lamine Yamal, Rashford, and Toni Fernandez. Still, Girona put up a firm fight.

The home side started better when Pedri opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Following a pass from Lamine Yamal, the Spanish midfielder dribbled inside the box, beat two defenders, and curled a left-footed shot that hit the post before going into Girona’s net.

However, just seven minutes later, the visitors equalized 1-1 thanks to a brilliant strike from Witsel. The Belgian defender acrobatically volleyed the ball after a headed assist from Arnau Martínez, sending it bouncing into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Szczęsny’s reach.

Rashford nearly scored for Barca in the 30th minute with a free kick that struck the crossbar. The first half ended 1-1, with Barcelona having taken 10 shots but only converting once.

In the second half, Fermin Lopez came on for Toni Fernandez. Hansi Flick’s team continued to press high but struggled to find a second goal. Shortly after entering, Fermin Lopez hit the post with a shot in the 53rd minute.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal was substituted off in the 64th minute for Bardghji. Marcus Rashford had two chances to score in the 65th and 66th minutes but failed to capitalize.

In the 90th minute, coach Hansi Flick received a red card after protesting to the referee. He will be suspended from coaching Barcelona in their La Liga match against Real Madrid on 26/10.

Coach Hansi Flick was shown a red card.

It seemed Barcelona would settle for a draw, but Araujo struck decisively in the 90+3rd minute. He made a well-timed run to finish precisely after a cross from De Jong. Ultimately, Barcelona won 2-1 and topped La Liga with 22 points from 9 matches. Real Madrid are second with 21 points but have played one game less.

Araujo scored the decisive goal to make it 2-1.

Goal Scorers:

Barcelona: Pedri (13'), Araujo (90+3')

Girona: Witsel (21')

Starting Lineups Barcelona vs Girona

Barcelona: Szczesny, Balde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Kounde, Casado, Pedri (Andreas Christensen 64'), De Jong, Dro Fernandez (Fermín López 46'), Lamine Yamal (Roony Bardghji 64'), Rashford

Girona: Gazzaniga, Blind, Reis, Arnau Martinez, Moreno, Witsel, Bryan Gil (Jhon Solís 63'), Rincon, Portu (Viktor Tsygankov 63'), Joel Roca, Vanat