Araujo: "I told them that if I came on, I would score, and everyone laughed"

As a child, Ronald Araujo dreamed of scoring goals, not preventing them. Over time, his talent led him to establish himself as a defensive bastion, but this Saturday he reconnected with his offensive roots. With the team weakened by the absences of Ferran, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, and without natural options in attack, Hansi Flick opted for an unconventional move: withdrawing Casadó and placing the Uruguayan in the forward line. What seemed like a desperate maneuver turned out to be a masterstroke. In added time, Araujo took advantage of his physical power and goal-scoring instinct to score the winning goal and give Barça a golden victory. After the final whistle, the center-back celebrated euphorically, taking off his shirt and merging with the fans. Then, more calmly, he spoke to DAZN´s microphones: "Happy for the victory, it was important to add three points for the next match. It got a bit complicated for us, Girona put up a fight and played very well. But the important thing is that the team showed character and strength until the end, and we took a very, very important victory." For Araujo, the result reflects the commitment and resilience of the group: "This team has a bit of everything, it can play well and can do other things, like fight until the end. We showed that last year, that bravery. We knew we were coming off two tough defeats and with hunger and work, we knew we could reach victory in this important win for the Champions and the classic," he added. The Uruguayan also shared a funny moment from the match: "Everyone knows I played as a forward when I was little; if I played more there, I could score many more. No, just kidding. Yes, the coach asked me earlier if I could play up front. I told my teammates when we were warming up: ´If I come on, I’ll score.´ And everyone laughed. But that’s how it was. Very happy." And beyond the anecdote, he highlighted the significance of the triumph: "After a victory, everything changes; you can work better. We know we have to keep growing, adjusting details, but this victory is important."

Fermín: "This is how you have to win too"

Another of the protagonists was Fermín López, who returned to the field almost a month later —his last appearance had been on September 21—. Although Hansi Flick had warned that he was not ready to play the full 90 minutes (just like Lamine Yamal), his entry revolutionized the match. With energy and audacity, the Andalusian created several dangerous chances —frustrated by Gazzaniga— and provided the spark the team needed in the second half. "This is how you have to win matches sometimes. It was a very difficult match; we missed chances, and they did too in the first half. It was very tough, but in the end, we scored the goal," Fermín declared after the final whistle, valuing Barça´s agonizing victory. "We tried until the end; we have many injuries, important players who have just returned and those who are left. The second half was more chaotic, but I think we deserved the victory, and we achieved it," he added. Regarding his return, the midfielder acknowledged the physical effort after his absence: "A bit tired but good. Good sensations, and now to keep gaining rhythm." The victory against Girona not only keeps Barça in the fight for LaLiga, but also leaves positive signs: the reappearance of a Fermín full of energy and the confirmation that the team knows how to suffer and win even in the most complicated moments.