Girona Stuns Barcelona: Yamal's Penalty Miss Costs Barca in Derby Shock
Barcelona’s title chase took a dramatic hit as Girona pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory in the Catalan derby at Estadi Montilivi. The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, marked by missed opportunities, fierce competition and a late heartbreak for the La Liga giants.
Barcelona dominated possession, controlling more than 70% of the ball, yet their control failed to translate into goals when it mattered most. The turning point came early, when young star Lamine Yamal missed a crucial penalty, smashing the ball off the post in first-half stoppage time. That miss seemed to set the tone for a Barcelona side that struggled to convert chances despite repeated pressure on Girona’s defense.
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The breakthrough finally came for Barcelona just after the hour mark. Defender Pau Cubarsà connected with a precise cross from Jules Koundé, looping a header into the top corner to put the visitors ahead. But the lead was short-lived. Within two minutes, Girona struck back through Thomas Lemar, tapping in Vladyslav Vanat’s well-placed cross to level the game. The momentum had swung dramatically and Girona, hungry to escape the relegation zone, refused to let up.
In the 86th minute, Fran Beltrán delivered the decisive blow, scoring after a build-up that briefly raised VAR questions, but the goal stood. Barcelona’s defense had failed to contain Girona’s late surge and the Catalan underdogs celebrated a victory that will be remembered as one of the league’s shocks this season. The home side even finished the match with ten men after Joel Roca’s late red card, yet Barcelona could not capitalize on the numerical advantage.
This defeat leaves Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by two points in the La Liga title race, adding pressure as the season reaches a critical phase. It also extends a worrying run of results for Hansi Flick’s side, coming just days after a heavy Copa del Rey semi-final loss to Atletico Madrid. For Girona, this win lifts them out of immediate relegation danger and marks a major morale boost, proving they can challenge even the league leaders on their day.
Barcelona now faces an urgent need to regroup, tighten finishing and restore confidence as they prepare for a crucial fixture against Levante, while Real Madrid eyes the summit. The implications of this result ripple through both ends of the table, highlighting the unpredictability of La Liga and the high stakes in every match.
Stay with us for in-depth analysis, post-match reactions and updates on the title race, as the drama in Spanish football continues to unfold.
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