Barca suffer title defense blow in Girona derby defeat

Girona, Spain: Spanish champions Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Girona on Monday, leaving them two points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Real Madrid had defeated Real Sociedad on Saturday to overtake Barcelona, and Hansi Flick’s side could not reclaim the lead in a thrilling derby clash.

Teenage forward Lamine Yamal missed a penalty for Barcelona, who had taken the lead through defender Pau Cubarsi just before the hour mark.

However, goals from Thomas Lemar and Fran Beltran helped Girona, placed 12th, mount a comeback.

“We have to improve because they can’t score these two goals against us,” Cubarsi told DAZN. “We have to be self-critical, we didn’t play a great game, we have to improve, but now we have to rest and charge our batteries.”

Both teams created chances in the first half, with Raphinha narrowly missing and Yamal firing straight at Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. Girona striker Vladyslav Vanat also missed multiple opportunities. Ferran Torres and Raphinha came close for Barcelona before Yamal struck the post from the penalty spot after Dani Olmo was fouled in the box by Daley Blind.

Barcelona eventually went ahead in the 59th minute through Pau Cubarsi’s header from Jules Kounde’s cross. Girona quickly equalized when Thomas Lemar broke free from Eric Garcia and scored from close range, shifting momentum in Girona’s favor.

Girona goalkeeper Joan Garcia made crucial saves to deny Ivan Martin, Vanat, and Joel Roca, but Fran Beltran scored from the edge of the area in the 87th minute to secure the win.

Barcelona were left frustrated after Jules Kounde was fouled in the build-up, with no call from the referee. Girona finished with 10 men when Joel Roca fouled Yamal in stoppage time, halting a late Barca attack.

The victory sparked wild celebrations from Girona and their fans at Montilivi, as Flick demanded explanations from the referee.

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