Girona: Girona dealt a major blow to Barcelona’s LaLiga title hopes with a dramatic 2-1 victory, as Lamine Yamal’s missed penalty and Fran Beltrán’s late strike ensured the Catalan rivals claimed all three points.
Barcelona, chasing leaders Real Madrid, were left ruing missed opportunities in an entertaining contest that swung dramatically in the second half.
The visitors began brightly, with Raphinha lively on his return from injury. The Brazilian combined well with Yamal early on, while Girona responded through Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat, forcing sharp saves from goalkeeper Joan García.
The game’s first turning point came in first-half stoppage time when Daley Blind brought down Dani Olmo inside the box. However, Yamal’s penalty struck the post, allowing Girona to head into the break level.
Barcelona finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when defender Pau Cubarsí powered home a header from a delivery by Jules Koundé. But the lead lasted just two minutes. Thomas Lemar tapped in from close range after a precise low cross from Vanat to restore parity.
Girona grew in confidence, testing García repeatedly. Barcelona thought they had regained control, but defensive lapses proved costly. In the 86th minute, Fran Beltrán slotted into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround, with Barça’s appeals for a foul in the build-up waved away.
Late drama followed as Joel Roca was sent off deep into stoppage time for a heavy challenge on Yamal, while Robert Lewandowski had a goal ruled out for offside. Despite the numerical advantage, Barcelona failed to find an equaliser.
The defeat leaves Barcelona two points adrift of Real Madrid at the summit, missing a crucial opportunity to reclaim top spot and marking their second successive loss in all competitions.
For Girona, meanwhile, it was a statement victory — one built on resilience, sharp counter-attacks and clinical finishing at decisive moments.
Source: ESPN
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