LaLiga – Girona Fight Back to Overturn Barcelona at Montilivi
LaLiga – FC Barcelona’s grip on the top spot in La Liga slipped away on Sunday evening after a 2-1 defeat to Girona, a result that once again highlighted the defensive concerns surrounding Hansi Flick’s side. The setback allowed Real Madrid to climb to the summit of the table following their win over Real Sociedad a day earlier.
Girona Respond After Cubarsi Breakthrough
Barcelona appeared on course to steady themselves when Pau Cubarsi broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. Rising above the Girona defense, the young center-back guided a precise header into the net from Jules Kounde’s delivery, offering hope of a much-needed response after the heavy Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid earlier in the week.
However, Girona reacted almost immediately. Within three minutes, a low cross from Joel Roca caused confusion in the Barcelona penalty area. The visitors failed to clear their lines, and Thomas Lemar capitalized on the loose defending to slot home the equalizer. The quick response shifted the momentum firmly in Girona’s favor.
High Tempo, Little Control in First Half
The opening period unfolded at a relentless pace, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities but struggling to dominate possession for sustained stretches. Barcelona threatened early through Raphinha, whose shot drifted wide, while Lamine Yamal found himself one-on-one with Paulo Gazzaniga only to see his effort comfortably saved.
Girona repeatedly targeted Barcelona’s right flank. Hugo Rincon delivered a series of dangerous crosses, one of which found Viktor Tsygankov, who set up Vladislav Vanat for a promising chance. The striker failed to connect cleanly, sparing the visitors. Moments later, goalkeeper Joan Garcia was forced into sharp action, denying Vanat after another low ball into the area.
Barcelona nearly broke through just before halftime. Raphinha struck the post in the 43rd minute after attempting to guide the ball beyond Gazzaniga. The clearest opportunity arrived in stoppage time when Daley Blind brought down Dani Olmo inside the box. Yamal stepped up for the penalty and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, but his effort rattled the woodwork, allowing Girona to escape unpunished.
End-to-End Action After the Interval
The second half mirrored the first in intensity. Girona’s Bryan Gil launched a promising run forward but was crowded out before Cubarsi’s header finally gave Barcelona the advantage in the 58th minute.
Yet the lead proved fragile. Girona pressed forward with confidence, and Lemar’s equalizer underlined Barcelona’s ongoing vulnerability at the back. As the contest opened up, both sides exchanged attacks. Garcia produced consecutive saves to deny Roca and then Vanat, keeping Barcelona in contention.
At the other end, Yamal came close with a shot that drifted narrowly wide. But Girona’s persistence paid off late in the match. In the 86th minute, Fran Beltran surged toward the edge of the penalty area and struck a firm effort past Garcia. Barcelona players appealed for a foul on Kounde during the build-up, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Late Drama Fails to Halt Girona Celebration
Tensions flared in stoppage time when Joel Roca received a red card for a late challenge on Yamal. Despite being reduced to ten men, Girona comfortably saw out the remaining moments, sealing a valuable victory that strengthens their position away from the relegation zone.
For Barcelona, the defeat raises fresh questions about consistency and defensive organization as the La Liga campaign enters a critical phase. With Real Madrid now leading the standings, the pressure intensifies on Flick’s squad to respond swiftly in the coming fixtures.