Barcelona missed an opportunity to reclaim first place in La Liga after suffering a tense derby defeat to Girona FC, with teenage forward Lamine Yamal failing to convert a crucial penalty.
The loss leaves coach Hansi Flick’s side two points behind rivals Real Madrid in the title race. Girona secured victory late in the match when substitute Fran Beltran scored in the 86th minute at the Montilivi Stadium, giving the home side a vital boost in their fight to avoid relegation.
Barcelona players protested the goal, arguing that defender Jules Koundé had been fouled earlier in the move. However, after a VAR review, officials allowed the goal to stand.
Girona were reduced to 10 men during stoppage time after substitute Joel Roca committed a reckless challenge on Yamal. Despite the numerical advantage, Barcelona were unable to find a late equaliser and were forced to accept only their third league loss against their Catalan neighbours.
The defeat compounds a difficult period for Barcelona, who were also heavily beaten 4–0 by Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final earlier in the week.
Girona started brightly and tested Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia within the opening minute. Barcelona, on the other hand, struggled to capitalise on their chances. Yamal was particularly unfortunate, missing two close-range opportunities before striking the post with a penalty just before half-time.
Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when defender Pau Cubarsí scored his first league goal for the club, heading home from a cross delivered by Koundé.
Their advantage was short-lived, as Girona responded almost immediately. Midfielder Thomas Lemar found the net from close range after connecting with a pass from Vladyslav Vanat, levelling the score.
Girona thought they had taken the lead shortly afterward, but the effort was ruled out after the referee penalised Roca for a foul on the goalkeeper during the play.
The eventual victory ended Girona’s three-match winless streak and lifted them to 12th place, increasing their cushion above the relegation zone to five points.
For Barcelona, the loss ended their recent run of league victories and could see them fall further behind in the title race. Real Madrid face CA Osasuna next, while Barcelona will look to recover when they host Levante UD in their upcoming fixture.
