FC Barcelona 2-4 Girona FC: Girona’s fairytale continues as they dent title hopes of defending champions, reclaims top spot

FC Barcelona and Girona play out an exceptional Catalan derby at Estadi Olimpic, with surprise package of La Liga this season, Girona decided to inflict further pain on the defending champions after a harrowing 2-4 loss at their own den. With this inspiring victory, Girona surpass Real Madrid to cement their top spot at the Spanish domestic circuit, whereas defending champions Barca linger at the fourth spot, closely trailing Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Girona.

Catalan derby at its finest

Barcelona and Girona went out to face one of the toughest and intriguing battles this season, as lots were at stake for both sides- a vital three points for Xavi’s brigade who aimed to overtake arch rivals Atletico Madrid, whereas a victory for Michel’s side which could see them topple Real Madrid and eye a top spot at the Spanish League roster. Thus, this season’s first Catalan derby was indeed a fascinating one which had experienced every emotion- encompassing laughter to tears, as both sides left no stone unturned to give their best. But, as the norm of nature stands of having a winner and loser in a game, last night it was the turn of defending champions FC Barcelona, who stumbled upon a gritty Girona side whose fairytale run continues at the domestic circuit.

With both sides yearning for a victory, Michel and Xavi went with their strongest sides on the field, as it could provide some boost for them. Xavi had went with his traditional 4-3-3 formation, as Lewandowski was spearheading the attack, flanked by Felix and Raphinha, whereas the midfield comprised the seasoned trident of Gundogan, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Defensive duties were vested upon the seasoned back four for Barca with Araujo, Cancelo, Kounde and Christensen at the back, with Inaki Pena between the sticks owing to Ter Stegen’s long-term injury.

For Barca’s Catalan counterparts Girona, Michel went with a 4-2-3-1 formation with goal scorer Dobvyk marshalling his troops at the front, followed by Couto, Tsygankov and Savio. Midfield duties were vested upon Martin and Aleix while defensive duties were shouldered by Barca loanee Eric Garcia, Daley Blind, Miguel and Lopez.

Dobvyk draws first blood

Both teams had started with an elite mentality to leaving no space for opponents, but it was Girona who drew the first blood. shaking the foundations of Barca, with few Girona supporters on their feet at Estadi Olimpic. It saw a sudden attack from the visitors being sprung upon with a slight touch of Ukrainian connection, with Dobvyk and Tsygankov pairing to inflict on Barca their first goal, on the 12th minute. It could be counted as a mistake from Barca defense with their frailties getting exposed once again.

But, it did not took much longer for Barca to neutralize Girona’s attack and go for the kill, with reigning Pichichi winner Robert Lewandowski scoring the leveler, restoring some parity and saving blushes for the home fans. It was a Raphinha corner which was instrumental in the equalizer, as Lewa jumped higher than the rest to open his account.

Miguel Gutierrez might have had the time of his life last night, when he got into the score sheet on the 40th minute. It was his individual brilliance which helped Girona take the lead, when former Real Madrid player Miguel scored against his former arch-rival club Barca, as the youngster scored with his outside of the boot, as Inaki Pena had no clue about stopping the ball, thus helping Girona to a 2-1 lead at half-time.

More pain for Barca

Although the game was settling for a 2-1 victory for the visitors, then came the knockout blow from Valery Fernandez, who was instrumental in putting the final nail in Barca’s coffin. It was Stuani who got the ball after a long pass from custodian Gazzaniga and passed to Valery, who got the ball ahead of sliding Barca stopper Kounde, to fire the third Girona goal of the night, and almost sealing the deal for them.

Gundogan, despite missing ample opportunities to score a goal, finally managed to get on to the score sheet once on 92nd minute, when match was all but over for the defending champions. Although Lewa got a final chance to complete a perfect turnaround, it was all busted as Stuani scored the final goal of the game, completing a 4-2 rout of the hosts, as they reclaimed the top spot in La Liga table, surpassing Real Madrid, after Los Blancos played out a mundane 1-1 stalemate against Real Betis. Barca were left on the fourth spot, as they need to achieve something miraculous in the second half of the season, hoping to secure a tight race to the La Liga title, with some hefty inclusions lined up in the squad in January in the form of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque.