By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Fran Beltrán struck in the 86th minute as Barcelona’s hopes of reclaiming the LaLiga summit suffered a major setback with a 2–1 defeat away to 10-man Girona on Monday.
After an electricfying start in which both sides wasted clear chances, Barcelona were handed a golden opportunity just before half-time. Dani Olmo was brought down in the area by Daley Blind, but Lamine Yamal saw his penalty crash against the right post.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 59th minute. Jules Koundé delivered a teasing cross that Pau Cubarsí powered past Paulo Gazzaniga with a superb header.
However, the lead lasted barely two minutes. Thomas Lemar levelled from close range after excellent work by Vladyslav Vanat.
Girona continued to threaten, with Joan García producing sharp saves to deny Iván Martín and Joel Roca.
The decisive moment came four minutes from time when Beltrán curled into the bottom-left corner. The goal stood after a VAR review, despite Barcelona’s protests that Koundé had been fouled in the build-up by Claudio Echeverri.
Barcelona nearly rescued a point in stoppage time, but Ronald Araújo failed to hit the target. Girona were reduced to 10 men after Roca saw red for a reckless challenge on Yamal, yet they held firm to leave Barça two points behind Real Madrid.
Head coach Hansi Flick watched his side dominate statistically but falter in execution. Barcelona posted an xG of 2.93 from 27 shots — only four on target — while Girona registered 2.76 from 13 attempts.
Yamal also became the first player to complete 100 dribbles (now 101 from 202 attempts) across Europe’s top five leagues this season. However, Barcelona’s penalty woes continue: they have now missed three of seven spot-kicks in LaLiga, the joint-most in the division.
