Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo scored one of the most unfortunate own goals you’ll ever see to hand Real Madrid the lead in El Classico.
Victory over Madrid at the Camp Nou would give Barcelona a seemingly unassailable 12 point lead at the top of La Liga.
But Xavi’s side got off to the worst possible start courtesy of a truly bizarre situation.
Ronald Araujo’s unlucky own goal
After Vinicius Junior picked up the ball for Madrid in the box, the Brazilian fired in a cross and Araujo was left in disbelief as the ball deflected off him and past the helpless Marc-Andre ter Stegan in net.
Despite playing a huge part in the goal, even Vinicius himself recognised how unfortunate the incident was and could be seen consoling the Uruguayan.
Check out the unlucky goal below:
VIDEO: Ronald Araujo’s own goal vs Real Madrid
Madrid strike first! ⚪
It’s an early lead for the visitors as Vini Jr’s cross deflects off Ronald Araújo and into the back of the net 😱
The Brazilian is winning the battle between the pair in the opening stages 👀🇧🇷#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/2sXdfaByOC
— Watch ElClásico live on Viaplay (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 19, 2023
Barcelona equalise vs Real Madrid
Despite Araujo’s misfortune, Barcelona responded just before half-time, thanks to a goal from Sergi Roberto.
The Spanish star, who has played more than 300 matches for the club, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, and slotted a low-driven shot past Thibaut Courtois.
This was just the 16th goal of Roberto’s Barcelona career, though the 31-year-old has made a habit of scoring important goals.
Indeed, who could forget his dramatic last-minute strike against Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017, which saw Barcelona complete one of the most dramatic Champions League comebacks of all-time.
VIDEO: Sergi Roberto’s goal vs Real Madrid
SERGI ROBERTO TIES IT FOR BARCELONA! GAME ON! pic.twitter.com/ibxPbMDmXU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 19, 2023
La Liga on the line
Barcelona have won their last two matches against Madrid, including a 1-0 victory in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals earlier this month.
The Catalonian side also hold a nine-point lead over Carlo Ancelotti’s team at the top of the La Liga table as it stands.
But a win for Madrid could see them narrow the gap to just six points and cling on to some hope of retaining their league title.