Barcelona’s pursuit of the La Liga title suffered a major setback on Monday night as Girona stunned the Catalan giants with a 2-1 victory at Montilivi. The defeat leaves Hansi Flick’s side frustrated, with missed opportunities and costly errors defining a dramatic encounter that could have significant implications in the race with Real Madrid at the summit.
The match was marked by several key incidents. Lamine Yamal endured a difficult evening, missing a one-on-one chance early on and later striking the post from the penalty spot after Dani Olmo had been brought down in the area. Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock on the hour mark through Pau Cubarsi, who scored a spectacular header from Jules Kounde’s cross. However, Cubarsi quickly went from hero to villain, failing to clear his lines moments later and allowing Thomas Lemar to equalize for Girona.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Fran Beltran found the net amid controversy. A VAR review suggested a foul on Kounde in the build-up, but the referee allowed the goal to stand, sparking fury from the Barcelona bench. Robert Lewandowski thought he had salvaged a point with a late strike, but the effort was ruled offside, sealing Girona’s shock win.
Player performances reflected the mixed nature of Barcelona’s display. Kounde impressed with his defensive solidity and assist, while Olmo provided creativity and won the penalty. In contrast, Yamal’s missed chances and Garcia’s clumsy defending drew criticism. Substitutes, including Ferran Torres and Roony Bardghji, failed to make an impact, leaving Flick’s tactical decisions under scrutiny.
The loss not only dents Barcelona’s title hopes but also raises questions about Flick’s management, especially after recent struggles against Atletico Madrid. With Real Madrid maintaining pressure at the top, Barcelona must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks. Girona’s victory, meanwhile, highlights their resilience and adds fresh intrigue to the La Liga title race.
