Barca suffer title defence blow with 2-1 defeat at Girona

2026-02-16 - 22:18

Spanish champions Barcelona fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona on Monday to leave them trailing Real Madrid by two points at the top of La Liga. Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad on Saturday to overtake the Catalans and Hansi Flick’s side could not defeat Girona in an gripping derby clash to reclaim the lead. Teenage star Lamine Yamal missed a penalty for Barcelona, who took the lead through defender Pau Cubarsi just before the hour mark. However goals from Thomas Lemar and Fran Beltran helped Girona, 12th, mount an impressive comeback. Both sides were attacking with abandon in the first half and it was remarkable they went in goalless at the break. Raphinha whipped a shot narrowly wide and Yamal fired straight at Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga when through on goal. At the other end Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat missed a slew of presentable opportunities. Ferran Torres fired a good chance wide for Barca and Raphinha drove against the upright as Flick’s side pushed for the opener. They should have got it when Dani Olmo was clumsily felled in the box by Daley Blind, but Yamal hit