Girona stunned Barcelona 2-1 in a heated Catalan derby as Lamine Yamal missed a first half penalty and Fran Beltrán struck late at Montilivi.
Barcelona missed the chance to return to the top of La Liga after a damaging 2-1 defeat away to Girona on Monday night. A missed first half penalty from Lamine Yamal proved costly in a fiery Catalan derby. Girona struck late to complete a comeback victory. The result leaves Barcelona two points behind leaders Real Madrid.
The hosts set the tone early and tested Joan Garcia inside the opening minute. Girona pressed aggressively and looked to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line. Barcelona dominated possession but struggled with their finishing. Raphinha dragged one effort wide as early chances went begging.
Girona remained dangerous on the break throughout the half. Bryan Gil’s pace caused problems down the left flank. Vladyslav Vanat was denied twice by excellent goalkeeping from Garcia.
Barcelona were handed a golden opportunity in first half stoppage time. Dani Olmo was brought down in the area by Daley Blind. Lamine Yamal stepped up but smashed his penalty against the base of the post.
It was a moment that summed up Barcelona’s frustration. Yamal had already missed two close range chances earlier. Girona survived the scare and went into the break level.
Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Jules Kounde delivered from the right and Pau Cubarsi looped a header into the top corner. It was the defender’s first league goal for the club.
The lead lasted just two minutes. Girona responded immediately through Thomas Lemar. He tapped home from close range after confusion in the Barcelona box.
The game opened up as both sides chased a winner. Garcia produced smart saves to keep Barcelona level as Girona grew in confidence. The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute.
Substitute Fran Beltrán swept home from Joel Roca’s cut back. Barcelona protested for a foul on Kounde in the buildup. After a brief VAR check, the goal stood.
Girona were reduced to ten men deep into stoppage time. Roca was sent off for a reckless challenge on Yamal. Barcelona pushed forward but lacked clarity in the final third.
Robert Lewandowski had a late effort ruled out for offside. Girona held firm to secure a vital three points. The home crowd celebrated a famous derby win.
Beltrán made the decisive impact from the bench. Lemar was influential and took his chance well. Cubarsi impressed despite being on the losing side. Yamal endured a difficult night despite his dribbling threat.
Barcelona recorded 27 shots with an expected goals figure of 2.93. Only four of those efforts were on target. Girona generated 2.76 xG from just 13 attempts. Barcelona have now missed three of seven penalties this league season.
Girona climb to 12th and move five points clear of the relegation zone. They next face Alaves away. Barcelona remain on 58 points and host Levante on Sunday. Following back-to-back defeats, Hansi Flick has given his players two days off to reset.
