Montolivi Mayhem Maims Barcelona: Flick's Side Sink As Girona Pull Off 2-1 Win

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 07:49 IST

FC Barcelona lost 2-1 to Girona FC at Montilivi, slipping behind Real Madrid in La Liga. Pau Cubarsi scored, but Fran Beltran sealed Girona's comeback.

FC Barcelona suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona FC on Monday, slipping two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Madrid had beaten Real Sociedad on Saturday to climb top, and Hansi Flick’s side failed to respond in a frantic Catalan derby at Montilivi.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal endured a night to forget. He struck the post from the penalty spot after Dani Olmo was brought down, then watched Barca’s lead evaporate late on.

Defender Pau Cubarsi had headed Barca in front just before the hour from Jules Kounde’s cross. But Girona, sitting 12th, refused to buckle.

Thomas Lemar levelled from close range after slipping away from Eric Garcia, and Fran Beltran drilled home from the edge of the area in the 87th minute to complete the turnaround.

“In the end Girona deserved it, they had a lot of chances, we defended very badly," admitted Flick.

“We are not in a good mood, not in a good moment… There’s a long way (to go), we’re now in second, now we have to fight for first place in the table."

Missed Chances, Mounting Frustration

The first half was breathless but goalless. Raphinha hit the woodwork, Ferran Torres fired wide, and Girona striker Vladyslav Vanat squandered several openings. Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced a stunning double save to keep his side afloat before the collapse.

Barca were still reeling from a 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid last week, and this loss deepened the malaise.

“We have to be self-critical," Cubarsi told DAZN. “We didn’t play a great game."

The decisive goal sparked controversy. Barca felt Kounde was fouled by Claudio Echeverri in the build-up, but nothing was given.

“Everyone saw" it was a “clear" foul, said Flick, before adding: “I would speak about that if we played well, but we didn’t play well… it looks like an excuse and complaining."

Girona finished with 10 men after Joel Roca was sent off in stoppage time, but the damage was done.

“Three points against Barca are more than three points," said delighted coach Michel Sanchez.

(with AFP inputs)

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