Barcelona Defender Turns La Liga Fixture to NBA Audition With Bizarre Handball

• Barcelona kicked off La Liga with a visit to Getafe
• The La Liga champions were held to a goalless draw by the Madrid-based club
• Defender Ronald Araujo produced an NBA-worthy moment during the game

Barcelona kicked off their 2023/24 La Liga season with a trip to Pepe Bordalas’ Getafe.

It was a game which left many fans on the edge of their seats, marred by refereeing mishaps and red cards that left a sour taste in the mouth of many.

Referee Soto Grado called over 35 fouls and dished out over 13 cards, including two red cards, during the game.

However, amidst the fest of fouls and cards, it was the surprising action of defender Ronald Araujo that got many waxing lyrical.

The 24-year-old defender showed a side of his game many didn't think existed.

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Araujo shows NBA skills

With the first-half stoppage time approaching and Barcelona down to 10 men following the red card issued to Brazilian forward Raphinha for a flagrant foul – throwing an elbow at defender Gaston Alvarez – Araujo produced a moment that got many talking and even more for the referee’s decision.

Per reports from Goal, a long pass was played wide to the Uruguayan and it appeared to be sailing high over his head. The 24-year-old however reached out and caught the ball with both hands. He was still about 10 yards inside the field when he clutched the ball in his grasp.

To the amazement of many, the referee opted against booking the defender.

Quizzed about the NBA-like act after the game, the defender, quoted by Barcelona Universal, said:

"I caught the ball with my hands because I thought I was outside the pitch, but it's nothing."

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Barcelona ended the game with a sour taste in their mouth after the referee denied calls for what the Catalan team thought was a clear penalty.

The Spanish champions will shift attention to their next home game against Cadiz on Sunday.

Getafe, Barcelona share the spoils

Sports Brief reported that Spanish champions Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a frustrating 0-0 draw at Getafe on Sunday, with both sides reduced to 10 men in a bad-tempered clash.

Xavi handed debuts to summer signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu as Barcelona began their campaign with one of the most uncomfortable away trips of the season.

The Catalans had failed to score in their three previous visits to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and Getafe got into Barcelona's faces from the start.