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Araujo stages Barca robbery with stoppage-time stunner

Published

11 months ago

November 5, 2023

Barcelona player ratings vs Real Sociedad: Ronald Araujo with the robbery! Stoppage-time stunner overshadows anonymous attack in undeserved victory

The Blaurgana left it late to secure victory in San Sebastian as they just about bounced back from defeat in El Clasico

A Ronald Araujo header in second-half stoppage-time rescued victory for Barcelona after a dire showing against Real Sociedad. The Uruguayan’s goal served as a stark contrast to an otherwise miserable Blaugrana showing, and helped Xavi’s side snag three fortunate points with a 1-0 win.

The home side almost took the lead inside 30 seconds, forcing Marc-Andre ter Stegen into an impressive diving stop early on. Barca’s keeper was called upon again 15 minutes later, this time denying Take Kubo — who was excellent throughout — at the near post.

La Real had further chances throughout the contest, but a lack of incisiveness in front of goal, combined with a series of impressive stops from Barca’s goalkeeper, prevented them from finding the net.

Barca, for their part, failed to create much. Robert Lewandowski was a peripheral presence in his return to the starting XI, and touched the ball just 12 times in a miserable 57 minutes of action. It is perhaps a product of his team’s lack of control that he was unable to get into the game.

But that mattered little in the end. Araujo delivered the crucial blow in the 92nd minute, ghosting into the box and nodding Ilkay Gundogan’s angled ball home — snatching a thoroughly undeserved three points.

90Minsoccer rates Barcelona’s players from Anoeta…

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Made two important saves in the early goings. Almost gave up a goal after fumbling a cross. Crucial in the second half as Barca held on.

Ronald Araujo

Scored the winner with a tidy header, but he was most valuable at right-back for his defensive contributions. Barca didn’t have much attacking to do, and he was steady on the right side.

Jules Kounde

Fortunate not to give away a penalty, and outduelled by Oyarzabal for long stretches. A real regression from his impressive start to the season.

Inigo Martinez

Booed from the outset against his former club, but he handled it pretty well. Better in the air than his partner, and made some vital recoveries.

Alejandro Balde

Went on some impressive runs in the first half, and did his defensive duties reasonably effectively. Still hasn’t hit the heights of last year.

Ilkay Gundogan

Poor for 80-odd minutes, but vital late on when allowed to venture forward. A wonderful ball set up Araujo’s winner.

Fermin Lopez

Failed to get involved in an attacking midfield role. Only completed 12 passes, and was appropriately removed after 57 minutes.

Gavi

Really should have scored in the first half with Barca’s only real chance. Happy to do the dirty work, but earned himself a suspension for picking up his fifth booking of the season (already).

Joao Cancelo

Another fixture where he was deployed far higher up the pitch. Didn’t get on the ball much, and was deservedly removed.

Robert Lewandowaki

Barey touched the ball before the break. Unable to play more than an hour. A disappointing return to the starting XI.

Joao Felix

Threw himself to the ground in an attempt to win a soft penalty, which was pretty much his only involvement. Probably his first bad performance for the Blaugrana.

Ferran Torres

Missed at the crucial moment, blasting a shot over from outside the box with less than five minutes remaining.

Pedri

Thrown into a chaotic contest, and never really found a foothold.

Raphinha

Barca’s brightest sub. Caused problems with his movement on the right side. Perhaps deserves a start.

Lamine Yamal

Did all of the running necessary, but didn’t have much time to make an impact.

Xavi

Another interesting system from the Barca boss, deploying Cancelo high up the pitch, and playing Felix just off Lewandowski. And it didn’t work out. His side were battered from the first minute, and didn’t start playing until late on. Unbelievably fortunate to get a win.