Barcelona's title aspirations suffered a significant setback on Sunday as they fell to a dramatic 2-1 defeat against regional rivals Girona in a pulsating Catalan derby. The loss, sealed by a late winner from substitute Fran Beltran in the 86th minute, means Hansi Flick's side now trail league leaders Real Madrid by two points with the season entering its decisive phase.
The match will be remembered primarily for Lamine Yamal's costly penalty miss in first-half stoppage time, a moment that proved pivotal in a game of fine margins. The teenage prodigy, who has been one of Barcelona's standout performers this season, endured a rare off-day in front of goal, squandering multiple opportunities to give his side the advantage.
From the opening whistle, Girona approached the contest with clear intent, taking the game to their more illustrious opponents with aggression and tactical discipline. The hosts forced Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia into action within the first minute, setting the tone for an encounter where they refused to be overawed by their neighbors' reputation. Barcelona, by contrast, appeared lethargic and disjointed, their usual fluidity and attacking cohesion conspicuously absent.
Yamal's personal nightmare began early in the proceedings. The young forward spurned two excellent chances from close range before the half-hour mark, his normally clinical finishing deserting him when his team needed it most. His first opportunity came after a slick passing move carved open the Girona defense, but his shot lacked conviction and was saved comfortably. The second chance was even more glaring, as he found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box but somehow contrived to steer his effort wide of the target.
However, the defining moment arrived just before the interval when Barcelona were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge in the box. Yamal stepped up confidently, placing the ball on the spot with his usual assuredness. The stadium fell silent as he began his run-up, but the outcome was heartbreak for the visitors as he smashed his effort against the base of the post, the ball cannoning away to safety and leaving the teenager with his head in his hands and his teammates in disbelief.
The second half brought renewed energy and purpose from Barcelona, and they thought they had broken the deadlock on 59 minutes through an unlikely source. Centre-back Pau Cubarsi, pushing forward from defense, met Jules Kounde's precise cross with a perfectly executed looping header that nestled into the top corner beyond the goalkeeper's reach. It was the defender's first league goal for the club, and it sparked wild celebrations among the visiting supporters who had made the short trip to Estadio Montilivi.
Their joy proved short-lived, however. Girona responded with impressive resilience and attacking verve, equalizing just two minutes later. Midfielder Thomas Lemar, continuing his recent good form, was perfectly positioned to tap home Vladyslav Vanat's dangerous centre from close range after the winger had beaten his marker down the flank. The goal breathed new life into the home side and restored parity in a match that was delicately poised.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when substitute Fran Beltran struck what would prove to be the winner. The goal came from a swift Girona counter-attack that caught Barcelona's defense out of position, though Barcelona's players were immediately incensed, believing defender Jules Kounde had been fouled in the build-up. The incident prompted a brief but tense VAR review, with officials examining multiple angles to determine whether a foul had occurred. Yet, after what seemed an eternity for both sets of supporters, officials ultimately determined no infringement had occurred, allowing the goal to stand and sparking jubilant scenes among the home faithful.
The controversy added extra spice to an already heated derby atmosphere. Barcelona's frustration was compounded when Girona substitute Joel Roca was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a lunging, reckless challenge on Yamal, reducing the hosts to ten men for the final moments. Despite their numerical advantage, Barcelona could not find an equalizer, their attacks lacking the necessary cutting edge and composure in the final third.
The result extends Barcelona's recent poor run of form, marking their second consecutive defeat following Thursday's humiliating 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. The back-to-back losses represent a concerning dip in performance levels for a team that had looked imperious for much of the campaign and had built a reputation for defensive solidity.
For Girona, the victory represents a crucial boost in their battle against relegation. The three points lift them to 12th in the table, five points clear of the drop zone, and ends a three-game winless streak that had seen their season threaten to unravel. The win also holds special significance as only their third league victory over Barcelona in history, making it a memorable day for the club and its supporters.
The implications for the title race are stark and potentially decisive. With Real Madrid traveling to Osasuna on Saturday evening, Barcelona face the prospect of falling five points behind their arch-rivals before they even take to the field against Levante on Sunday. The pressure is mounting on Hansi Flick to find solutions quickly, with his team's defensive frailties and profligacy in attack becoming increasingly problematic at the worst possible time.
The Catalan derby defeat exposes several issues that Barcelona must address urgently if they are to salvage their season. Their over-reliance on Yamal's creativity and goal-scoring has been laid bare, while the defense looked vulnerable to Girona's direct approach and quick transitions. The midfield battle was largely even, but Barcelona lacked the killer instinct that has defined their best performances this season.
As the season reaches its climax, Barcelona cannot afford many more slip-ups if they hope to wrestle the title from Real Madrid's grasp. The margin for error has vanished completely, and every point dropped could prove decisive in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the campaign. For now, the focus must turn to recovery and regrouping, starting with their next fixture against Levante, where nothing less than victory will suffice to keep their championship dreams alive and maintain pressure on the leaders.