The defender, sent on as an emergency forward, netted in the 93rd minute to give Barca a one-point lead on Real Madrid, who visit Getafe on Sunday.

Following two consecutive defeats Barca were only just able to edge Girona, 19th, thanks to Araujo's late goal.

Pedri Gonzalez slotted Barcelona ahead early on but Axel Witsel equalised with a superb overhead kick for a Girona side who came close to securing a deserved point.