Saturday evening in Montilivi, FC Barcelona faced Girona in the Catalan La Liga derby. With a 2nd place to secure, Xavi’s men had to take points on their neighbor’s home ground. The Blaugrana quickly led thanks to a goal of Christensenbefore being joined on the next action and the realization of Dovbyk. Lewandowski gave Barça the lead again on a penalty before the break but a double from Portu and a goal from Miguel gave Girona victory in the second half (4-2). Barça loses its place as runner-up and will have to make up for a one-point deficit to qualify for the next Spanish Super Cup. There are 4 days left.
Lively start to the match
Barça quickly opened the score. On a good ball Lamine Yamal over the defense, Andreas Christensen chest control and places an unstoppable volley into the opposite net (0-1, 3rd).
On the commitment, Girona equalizes. Following the good work of Ivan Martin, the Pichichi of La Liga, Dobvyk, is found and scores with a header (1-1, 4th).
Before the quarter of an hour of play, Christensen is very close to signing a double, on a dive header, but Gazzaniga pushes back on the line (14th).
Just after the half hour, João Cancelo found the header Gundogan and the German midfielder sees his attempt repelled by the crossbar! (33rd). Barça has control of possession (60%) and is dangerous in every action but is exposed to counterattacks from the locals.
Barça goes back in front
Before the break, Lamine Yamal is tackled in the area and the referee, with the help of VAR, designates the penalty point. Robert Lewandowski transforms it (1-2, 45th).
Returning from the locker room, Girona pushes to get back into the match but the Blaugrana defend well. João Cancelo is very close to scoring the break goal when he goes to goal alone but his shot is crushed (57th).
Everything smiles in Girona
On a misdirected ball Ter Stegen by Serge Roberto, Portu equalized when he had just come on (2-2, 66th). Pushed by their supporters, the locals took the advantage in the following action, thanks to Miguel, served behind before beating Ter Stegen on a deflected shot (3-2, 67th).
Ter Stegen avoids the worst with a point-blank save, with a firm hand, in front of Herrera (72nd). But the Barça goalkeeper can do nothing on Portu’s volley two minutes later (4-2, 75th).
At the end of the match, the Blaugrana were uninspired, unlike their rival, who was full of confidence. Koundé on his line and Ter Stegen must work hard to avoid conceding another goal (90+2).
With this victory, Girona qualifies for the first Champions League in its history. About the FC Barcelonahe will have to fight to grab his 2nd qualifying place for the Spanish Super Cup.
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