Another Barça setback: no response after the cup humiliation, Yamal off the mark as Girona win the derby

Barcelona failed to react to the 0–4 Copa del Rey thrashing by Atlético Madrid and followed it with a defeat in the Catalan derby against Girona — a result that hands the top spot to Real Madrid and leaves Hansi Flick once again looking at the referee.

Girona’s compact plan frustrates Barcelona

Flick made two changes after the Madrid disaster. Martin replaced Balde at left-back, while Raphinha returned from injury; Casadó dropped out. Girona pressed early while Barça circulated the ball dangerously close to their own box. Soon the visitors settled and dominated possession — around 70 percent — but control of the ball didn’t translate into control of the game.

Míchel’s side stayed compact in a mid-block and supported each other well. The evergreen Witsel was excellent in midfield, and Girona coped with Barça’s tempo. Lamine Yamal didn’t look sharp. He produced the first shot of the game in the sixth minute, curling wide, and later wasted a huge chance when he lifted the ball straight at Gazzaniga after breaking clear in a counterattack.

Girona’s first effort on Joan García came midway through the half after Witsel launched a quick move finished by Vanat. Earlier the Ukrainian duo of Vanat and Tsyhankov nearly created a goal, only for Martin to recover brilliantly. Vanat’s runs behind the defence kept Barcelona uneasy throughout.

Penalty drama and Cubarsí’s first goal

Before halftime Raphinha hit the post with his third attempt, and deep into stoppage time Barça earned a clear penalty — Blind clipped Olmo. Yamal stepped up and struck the woodwork.

Barcelona pushed after the break and won several set pieces, but one of them led to a dangerous Girona counter. The game opened up, spaces appeared, and on the hour Barça finally scored: after a series of crosses Cubarsí headed in from under Rincón — his first La Liga goal.

Girona’s quick response and Barcelona chaos

The lead lasted only three minutes. Vanat stayed onside thanks to Eric García’s deep position and forced the ball across the six-yard box, where Lemar was unmarked. The Frenchman scored for the second league game in a row after not netting at all before February, and he later drew gasps with a brilliant piece of control and dribbling.

Barcelona became nervous and chaotic defensively. Joan García had to produce several difficult saves, one of them spectacular, and Girona even bundled the ball in once — but with a foul.

Late winner and more referee complaints

Late on Yamal missed another chance, and in the 88th minute Girona took a deserved winner. Substitutes decided it: Echeverri stole the ball from Koundé, Roca assisted, and Beltrán finished from the edge of the area while a Barça defender still lay on the ground after the duel. The visitors protested for a foul, but Soto Grado and VAR ruled the defender had played the ball first.

In stoppage time Barcelona thought they had equalised through Lewandowski — offside. Roca was then sent off for a heavy challenge on Yamal, tempers flared, and Barça again demanded a penalty.

Girona held firm and won the Catalan derby. Barcelona leave with more frustration — and more questions than answers.

Published by Patrick Jane
17.02.2026