Míchel Admits: “Araújo Broke My Heart” After Dramatic Catalan Derby
Barcelona, October 19, 2025 — In a confession that has set social media ablaze and reignited football debates across Spain, Girona FC manager Míchel Sánchez revealed the name of the Barcelona player who “broke his heart” in yesterday’s thrilling Catalan derby.
Following an epic battle at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys — where Barça triumphed 2-1 thanks to a last-minute goal — Míchel didn’t hold back in his post-match remarks. “My players gave everything to win, but this Barcelona player broke my heart yesterday. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone so dangerous and aggressive,” said the visibly emotional coach, pointing directly to Ronald Araújo as the man who crushed Girona’s hopes.
Araújo, the Relentless Warrior
The 26-year-old Uruguayan centre-back delivered a commanding performance for 90 minutes before emerging as the unlikely hero in stoppage time. Rising above everyone, he powered home a header in the 93rd minute to seal Barcelona’s dramatic win.
It wasn’t Pedri — who opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a stunning counterattack — who left Míchel stunned. It was Araújo, with his sheer intensity, impeccable timing, and knack for decisive interventions, who turned a potential draw into a bitter defeat for Girona.
“He really impressed me,” admitted Míchel, still reeling from the heartbreak, as his players applauded their effort from the bench, exhausted but proud.
A Battle Worthy of the Derby
The match, part of LaLiga’s ninth round, delivered everything fans expect from a Catalan derby — drama, passion, and high stakes. Despite being plagued by injuries to key players including Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gavi, and Ter Stegen, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona dominated possession and created numerous chances, only to be frustrated by a resilient Girona.
Bryan Gil equalized in the 35th minute after a lightning-fast counterattack, and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga produced a string of superb saves to keep the visitors in contention. But in stoppage time, Araújo’s determination proved unstoppable.
“He’s a monster — dangerous in attack, aggressive in defense,” Míchel said, comparing the Uruguayan to some of the best defenders he’s faced in his career. “He broke us.”
The Heart of Barça’s Defense
Signed from Ajax in 2020 for €23 million, Araújo has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s post-Messi era. This season alone, he’s recorded three goals and an assist across all competitions, showing both the ruggedness of a traditional Uruguayan defender and the composure reminiscent of Gerard Piqué.
Flick didn’t hide his admiration after the match: “Ronald is our warrior. In games like this, when adversity hits, players like him make the difference.”
The win was Barcelona’s seventh consecutive league victory, keeping them just two points behind Real Madrid. For Girona, now 18th with six points, the defeat stings deeply — ending a three-match unbeaten streak and intensifying their fight for survival. Still, Míchel praised his players: “We gave everything. We were brave. But players like Araújo punish you. It’s the first time I’ve seen such pure aggression from a defender.”
A Derby to Remember
With more than 50,000 fans roaring in the stands, the atmosphere in Montjuïc was electric — and the post-match buzz online was instant. Araújo, now with 150 appearances for Barça, earned not just victory but respect from opponents.
Míchel’s candid words captured the essence of the night: respect, heartbreak, and admiration for a player who defines Barça’s fighting spirit.
In modern football, heroes often rise in moments of crisis. Last night, Ronald Araújo reminded everyone why he is the beating heart of this Barcelona side. In Montjuïc, one man broke hearts — and won the derby.
