La Liga: Barcelona dealt title blow in Girona defeat

Girona deepened the pressure on Barcelona with a dramatic 2-1 victory sealed by a controversial late goal, compounding frustration for head coach Hansi Flick.

Barcelona entered the contest seeking a response after a heavy defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

They began with urgency, pressing high and creating early openings. Raphinha, returning from injury, was central to their attacking threat, while Lamine Yamal twice went close. Both Raphinha and Yamal struck the woodwork before the break.

Girona, however, appeared more cohesive in transition. Exploiting Barcelona’s high defensive line, they created several dangerous situations, forcing goalkeeper Joan Garcia into key saves to keep the score level at half-time. A missed penalty by Yamal late in the first half summed up Barcelona’s wastefulness.

Girona respond after falling behind

Barcelona finally broke the deadlock when Pau Cubarsí headed home early in the second half.

The advantage lasted only three minutes. Girona equalised through Thomas Lemar, capitalising on defensive hesitation.

The game opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing forward. Barcelona committed numbers in attack but struggled to break down a disciplined Girona back line led by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Controversial winner sparks protests

With three minutes remaining, Fran Beltran struck low into the corner to give Girona the lead. Barcelona players protested what they believed was a foul in the build-up, but the goal stood.

A late red card for Girona’s Joel Roca did not alter the outcome as the visitors held firm through stoppage time.

The defeat leaves Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by two points in the title race. Girona climb to 12th, five points clear of the relegation zone, continuing a run that has yielded 14 points from their last seven matches.