Girona Stuns Barcelona in Catalan Derby, Costing Visitors Top Spot in La Liga

Barcelona missed a golden opportunity to return to the top of La Liga after being defeated by Girona in the Catalan derby. Hansi Flick's title-contending Barcelona side was stunned by Girona at their home ground, Estadio Montilivi.

Substitute Fran Beltrán scored in the 86th minute to give Girona a thrilling 2-1 victory. With this win, Girona has slightly eased fears of relegation, while Barcelona now trails arch-rival Real Madrid by 2 points.

The visiting team protested that Barcelona defender Jules Koundé was fouled during the controversial final goal, but the goal was validated after a VAR check. Girona was reduced to 10 men towards the end of the match.

Joel Roca received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Lamine Yamal. However, Barcelona could not capitalize on this advantage in added time.

A Night to Forget for Lamine Yamal
This match was disappointing for Barcelona's young star Yamal. He wasted many opportunities to score. He struck the post from a penalty awarded in first-half injury time.

Barcelona initially took the lead when defender Pau Cubarsí scored with a header in the 59th minute, which was also his first league goal for the club. However, Barcelona's joy did not last long. Just two minutes later, Sávio equalized for Girona with a goal from Thomas Lemar. Ultimately, Beltrán's goal proved decisive.

Setback in Title Race
This is Barcelona's second consecutive loss. Previously, Barcelona was heavily defeated 4-0 by Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.

Meanwhile, this victory moves Girona up to 12th place in the table. Real Madrid is scheduled to play Osasuna on Saturday. If Real wins that match, the gap with Barcelona will become 5 points.
Barcelona is scheduled to play its next match against Levante on Sunday.