Girona upset Barcelona in a thrilling Catalan derby, capitalizing on a missed penalty by Lamine Yamal and a controversial late goal to secure a 2-1 victory and leapfrog Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The result leaves Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by two points.
YAMAL’S PENALTY MISS
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Despite a dominant first-half performance that saw Barcelona register 10 shots, including attempts from Raphinha that hit the post and a penalty taken by Lamine Yamal, the Blaugrana failed to fully capitalize on their opportunities. Yamal’s spot-kick was saved, marking his third missed penalty in seven attempts this La Liga season. Joan GarcÃa, Girona’s goalkeeper, was instrumental in keeping Barcelona at bay, earning the Man of the Match award with a series of impressive saves.
BRIEF LEAD FOR BARCELONA
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Barcelona took the lead in the 59th minute when 19-year-old Pau Cubarsà headed home a cross from Koundé, marking his first La Liga goal and the 100th goal scored by Barcelona this season. Still, Girona responded quickly, equalizing just two minutes later through Lemar, who found himself unmarked just three meters from the goal.
LATE DRAMA AND CONTROVERSY
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Girona secured the victory in the 86th minute with a goal from Fran Beltran, a strike that sparked immediate controversy. Barcelona players protested, claiming a foul on Koundé by Echeverri, but the goal stood after no review. Following the goal, the match descended into chaos with a potential brawl and heated exchanges between Barcelona manager Flick and the referee. This defeat marks Barcelona’s fourth loss in La Liga this season and their second in 2026, following a 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey just days prior. The Blaugrana’s start to 2026 has been undeniably challenging.
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