Girona recorded a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Estadio Montilivi, ending a run of four matches without a win and preventing their opponents from returning to the top of the LaLiga table.
Barcelona created the first clear opportunity inside five minutes when Lamine Yamal’s effort went wide. The visitors saw further chances fall to Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Ferran Torres during an open first half, but were unable to convert. Raphinha struck the base of the post, while Girona also threatened through Vladyslav Vanat and Bryan Gil.
On the stroke of half-time, Dani Olmo was brought down in the penalty area by Daley Blind. Lamine Yamal stepped up for the spot kick but struck the post, leaving the match level at the interval.
Barcelona began the second half with greater control and took the lead shortly after the hour mark. Pau Cubarsi scored his first LaLiga goal with a header from a Jules Kounde cross, beyond goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Girona responded quickly. Thomas Lemar finished from close range to equalise after a defensive lapse. As the match entered its final stages, Girona increased the pressure. Fran Beltran scored the decisive goal four minutes from time with a low drive that put the hosts ahead.
Joel Roca was shown a late red card, reducing Girona to ten men, but Barcelona were unable to find an equaliser in the closing moments.
Barcelona had previously won four of their last five away league matches against Girona, scoring 12 goals across those fixtures. The defeat leaves them two points behind Real Madrid in the LaLiga standings.
