Barcelona failed to reclaim the top spot in La Liga after slipping to defeat against Girona in a heated Catalan derby at Estadio Montilivi.
Hansi Flick’s team remains two points behind Real Madrid in the title race, with Fran Beltran emerging as the decisive figure. The substitute struck in the 86th minute to secure victory for the home side and ease their relegation worries.
The visitors protested in the buildup to the winner, believing Jules Kounde had been fouled. However, following a short VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand.
Barcelona’s frustration was compounded deep into stoppage time when Girona substitute Joel Roca was sent off for a reckless challenge on Lamine Yamal, but the numerical advantage came too late to alter the outcome.
Cubarsi scores but Girona respond swiftly
The match began at a high tempo, with Girona testing goalkeeper Joan Garcia inside the opening minute. Barcelona, meanwhile, looked sluggish and failed to convert several clear opportunities.
Lamine Yamal endured a difficult evening in front of goal. The winger missed twice from close distance and later saw a penalty strike the base of the post during first-half added time.
The breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute when Pau Cubarsi headed into the top corner from Kounde’s delivery, registering his first league goal for Barcelona.
Yet Girona responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, Thomas Lemar finished from Vladyslav Vanat’s cross to level the score, claiming his second goal in successive matches.
Late drama seals crucial points for hosts
Girona thought they had taken the lead again 10 minutes after equalising when Viktor Tsygankov’s looping header slipped from Garcia’s grasp. However, the referee penalised Roca for a push on the goalkeeper, and the effort was ruled out.
Beltran ultimately settled the contest with four minutes remaining, punishing Barcelona’s inability to capitalise on their dominance in possession.
The result ends Girona’s three-game winless streak and lifts them to 12th place, five points above the relegation zone.
For Barcelona, it marks a second consecutive defeat following their 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Their three-match league-winning sequence is over, and the gap at the summit could widen to five points depending on Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture against Osasuna before Barca welcomes Levante.