Barcelona paid the price for a catalogue of missed chances as Girona staged a late comeback to beat Hansi Flick’s side 2–1 on Monday night.
Substitute Fran Beltrán struck in the 86th minute to hand Girona all three points and deny Barcelona the chance to reclaim top spot in LaLiga.
The visitors had earlier taken the lead, only to see it wiped out almost immediately before the late winner stunned them.
Both sides created clear openings in a lively first half, but the clearest opportunity fell to Barcelona in stoppage time.
Dani Olmo was brought down in the area by Daley Blind, earning a penalty. However, Lamine Yamal’s effort crashed against the right post, leaving the teams level at the break.
Barcelona finally broke through in the 59th minute. Jules Koundé delivered a precise cross into the box, and Pau Cubarsí rose superbly to head beyond Paulo Gazzaniga.
The advantage lasted barely two minutes. Girona responded instantly as Thomas Lemar finished from close range after a well-worked move involving Vladyslav Vanat.
Girona continued to threaten, with Joan García producing sharp saves to deny Iván Martín and then Joel Roca, who had slipped behind Alejandro Balde.
The decisive moment arrived four minutes from time. Beltrán found space on the edge of the area and guided a low shot into the bottom corner.
The goal stood after a VAR review, despite Barcelona’s protests that Koundé had been fouled in the buildup by Claudio Echeverri.
Ronald Araújo nearly rescued a point in stoppage time but failed to hit the target.
Girona, reduced to 10 men after Roca was sent off for a late challenge on Yamal, held firm to seal the victory and leave Barcelona two points behind Real Madrid in the title race.
Barcelona ended the match with an expected goals tally of 2.93 from 27 attempts, though only four were on target. Girona registered 2.76 xG from 13 shots.
Yamal completed 101 dribbles this season in Europe’s top five leagues, the most by any player, but his missed penalty summed up Barcelona’s wastefulness.
The Catalan club have now failed from three of their seven spot-kicks in LaLiga this term, the joint-worst record in the division.
