FC Barcelona fell 1-2 to Girona in the match concluding the 24th round of La Liga, resulting in Hansi Flick's team dropping to second place in the table. Despite taking the lead through a goal from Pau Cubarsí, defensive errors and a missed penalty by Lamine Yamal sealed the defeat. Robert Lewandowski appeared on the pitch in the second half, but his goal in stoppage time was disallowed by the referee.

Loss of Top Spot

The 1:2 defeat to Girona caused Barcelona to drop to second place in the table, losing two points to Real Madrid.

Yamal's Missed Chances

Young star Lamine Yamal failed to convert a penalty in the first half, which could have completely changed the course of the match at Montilivi.

Refereeing Controversies

Referee Soto Grado disallowed a goal by Robert Lewandowski and upheld the decision for Girona's goal despite suspicions of a foul on Koundé.

Monday's clash at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi was supposed to be a routine return to the top of the La Liga table for Barcelona, but it turned into a sporting drama. The players of Hansi Flick dominated possession, but glaring inefficiency in front of the opponent's goal and defensive errors led to a sensational outcome. The first half was marked by a wasted opportunity from Lamine Yamal, who failed to beat Gazzaniga from the penalty spot. Fans hoped for a breakthrough after switching sides, and indeed in the 59th minute, Pau Cubarsí put the visitors ahead with a precise header. The rivalry between Barcelona and Girona, though called the Catalan derby, has been asymmetric for decades due to the might of the Pride of Catalonia and Girona's appearances in lower divisions. The situation changed in recent years as Girona became a real threat to the league's top teams. The joy of the away fans lasted only three minutes. A mistake by the scorer of the first goal was exploited by Thomas Lemar, leading to the equalizer. The decisive blow was delivered by Fran Beltrán, setting the final score at 2:1. Under controversial circumstances, referee Soto Grado allowed this goal despite protests regarding a foul on Jules Koundé. Even the introduction of Robert Lewandowski in the 73rd minute did not change the course of the match. The Polish player did direct the ball into the net in stoppage time, but the referee spotted an infringement and the goal was disallowed. The match ended in a tense atmosphere, and the home player Joel Roca received a red card for a brutal foul. „We must accept this painful lesson and learn faster from the defensive mistakes that cost us three points today.” — Hansi Flick This defeat has strategic significance, as Real Madrid maintained the two-point advantage built after their victory over Real Sociedad. For Barcelona, this is another blow following their recent painful elimination from the Copa del Rey in a clash with Atletico Madrid. [{"side1": "Girona FC", "side2": "FC Barcelona", "score1": 2, "score2": 1, "round": "Matchday 24"}]2 — points is Barcelona's current deficit to the leading Real Madrid [{"position": 1, "name": "Real Madrid", "points": "60 pts"}, {"position": 2, "name": "FC Barcelona", "points": "58 pts"}]

Mentioned People

  • Hansi Flick — FC Barcelona coach who criticized the defensive performance after the defeat.
  • Robert Lewandowski — Barcelona striker who came off the bench and scored a disallowed goal.
  • Lamine Yamal — Barcelona's young talent who wasted a penalty in this match.