Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Girona last night, leaving them two points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
Barca were expected to make light work of struggling Girona and leap above Madrid, who had taken a two-point lead following their win this weekend.
However, Girona shocked the reigning La Liga champions, claiming a memorable 2-1 win that could have been worse if not for goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Barca had the best opportunities in the opening half as Raphinha hit the post with a vicious shot. They were awarded a penalty, but Lamine Yamal hit the upright.
The Spaniard had a game to forget as he also missed a one-on-one chance to make up for his botched penalty.
Barcelona took the lead in the 59th minute through defender Pau Cubarsi, who stayed forward following a corner. He expertly guided Jules Kounde’s cross into the back of the net.
Unfortunately, that joy was short-lived. Thomas Lemar ghosted into the Barca backline and stroked in a cross to draw the game level after 62 minutes.
Girona had their tails up and pushed hard for a winner. Garcia made two point-blank saves to keep his side in the game.
There was nothing he could do after Barca failed to clear their lines in the 87th minute and allowed Fran Beltran to net the winner.
The loss compounds a miserable week for Barcelona following a heavy loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
They face a fight on their hands to turn the tide and usurp Madrid’s place on the league log.
Manager Hansi Flick must galvanise a team that is struggling for form and confidence after two debilitating losses.
