Barcelona center back Ronald Araujo’s passionate celebrations of his late winner against Girona on Saturday were reportedly a result of behind-the-scenes frustrations over his recent role.
Araujo came off the bench for the final eight minutes of Saturday’s meeting with Girona, being deployed as an auxiliary striker in the hunt for a late winner which he ultimately provided deep into stoppage time.
The Uruguay defender whipped off his shirt in celebration, gleefully accepting the inevitable booking that followed, with claiming emotions took over Araujo after what had been an infuriating week.
Araujo was said to be “angry” at Hansi Flick’s decision to withdraw him midway through the shock 4–1 defeat to Sevilla. He was removed with the score at 4–1 but was replaced by another defender, rather than being sacrificed in a drastic change of formation.
The 26-year-old then expected to start against Girona but was once again disappointed to be left on the bench, ultimately being forced to make his mark with his late winner.
