Girona FC produced a stunning comeback to defeat FC Barcelona 2-1 in a thrilling Catalan derby on Monday, denying the visitors a return to the top of LaLiga and keeping Real Madrid at the summit.
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Barcelona dominated possession early and struck the woodwork twice in the first half, with Raphinha hitting the post before teenage winger Lamine Yamal missed a penalty in stoppage time after Dani Olmo was fouled inside the box.
The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when Pau Cubarsi headed home Jules Kounde’s cross from a short corner to give Barcelona the lead. However, Girona responded almost immediately, equalising just three minutes later through Thomas Lemar after confusion in Barcelona’s defence allowed him to finish from close range.
The hosts completed the turnaround in the 87th minute as Fran Beltran calmly slotted home from Joel Roca’s pass, sparking celebrations at Montilivi Stadium.
Barcelona pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were handed a late advantage when Roca was sent off in added time for a reckless challenge on Yamal, but Girona held firm to secure a memorable victory.
The defeat leaves Barcelona on 58 points, two behind league leaders Real Madrid, and marks their first consecutive losses in all competitions since October.
Despite controlling large spells of the match, Barcelona were punished for missed chances, while Girona — previously on a three-game winless run — climbed to 12th place with 29 points, boosting their hopes of moving clear of the relegation battle.
