Barcelona’s grip on the La Liga title race slipped dramatically on Monday as they fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat against local rivals Girona.
From Hero To Zero: Yamal’s Missed Penalty Haunts Barcelona In 2-1 Defeat
The loss at Montilivi means Hansi Flick’s side now trail Real Madrid by two points at the top of the table, just days after a humiliating Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal endured a nightmare moment when he smashed a second-half penalty against the post.
With the score still goalless, Dani Olmo had won the spot-kick after a clumsy foul from Daley Blind. However, Yamal failed to convert, leaving Barcelona to rue a massive missed opportunity.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. Defender Pau Cubarsi rose highest to meet Jules Kounde’s pinpoint cross and power a header past Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
The lead, however, lasted only minutes. Thomas Lemar escaped the attention of Eric Garcia to slot home from close range and drag the hosts level.
Barcelona pushed to regain the advantage, but they looked vulnerable at the back. Only a series of stunning saves from goalkeeper Joan Garcia kept them in the contest.
He produced a remarkable double stop to deny Ivan Martin and Vladyslav Vanat before thwarting Joel Roca with his leg.
The pressure finally told three minutes from time. Fran Beltran collected the ball on the edge of the area and stroked a precise finish into the corner to complete the comeback.
The goal sparked furious protests from Barcelona players, who believed Kounde had been fouled in the build-up, but the referee waved play on.
“We defended very badly,” a dejected Flick admitted after the match.
“We are not in a good moment. Everyone saw the foul, but we didn’t play well, so it looks like an excuse.”
Girona held on despite Roca’s late red card for a reckless challenge on Yamal.
The victory sparked wild celebrations among the home fans as Barcelona slumped to another defeat. Flick now faces a fight to lift his squad as they look to close the gap on Madrid.
