Girona Overturn Barcelona Lead With Late Goals in Dramatic La Liga Derby
Barcelona lose 2-1 at Girona; Yamal's penalty miss proves costly in the title race.
Spanish champions FC Barcelona suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to local rivals Girona FC on Monday, dealing a blow to their La Liga title defence. The loss leaves Barcelona two points behind leaders Real Madrid CF after failing to reclaim the top spot in a fiercely contested derby.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal endured a frustrating night, missing a penalty that could have put Barcelona in control. Despite the setback, defender Pau Cubarsí eventually gave the visitors the lead just before the hour mark, heading home from a Jules Koundé cross to reward Barcelona’s attacking pressure.
However, Girona responded strongly. Thomas Lemar equalised from close range after latching onto Vladyslav Vanat’s pass, shifting momentum toward the hosts. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García was then forced into a string of impressive saves to keep his side level as Girona pushed forward with increasing confidence.
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The hosts completed their comeback in the 87th minute when Fran Beltrán struck from the edge of the area. Barcelona players protested that Koundé had been fouled in the build-up, but the goal stood, leaving Hansi Flick’s side frustrated and chasing the game in the closing stages.
Barcelona’s struggles come on the heels of their heavy Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid, compounding a difficult period. Flick admitted his team defended poorly and said the squad would take two days off to reset, while Cubarsí called for self-criticism and improvement.
Girona finished with 10 men after Joel Roca was sent off late on, but the hosts held firm to secure a memorable derby victory. Coach Míchel Sánchez praised his players, noting that beating Barcelona carries extra significance, while the result tightens the La Liga title race, with Barcelona now under pressure to respond quickly.
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