Girona claimed a 2-1 win over Barcelona after a frantic Catalan derby that has severely dented the Blaugrana’s The League title hopes.
Barcelona began with most of the possession and created early openings through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Yamal fired narrowly wide and later forced a save from Paulo Gazzaniga when clean through, while Raphinha also dragged an effort past the post.
Girona threatened on the break, with Vladyslav Vanat twice testing Joan Garcia and Viktor Tsygankov firing over after a free-kick.
The visitors were handed a major opportunity just before the interval when Daley Blind fouled Dani Olmo inside the penalty area, but Yamal struck the base of the post from 12 yards.
The second half quickly produced goals. Pau Cubarsi gave Barcelona the lead on 59 minutes, glancing home Jules Kounde’s cross from close range.
Girona responded almost immediately as Vanat drove down the left and his second delivery fell perfectly for Thomas Lemar, who tapped in to level the match.
Both sides continued to create chances. Joan Garcia denied Tsygankov and later produced an excellent stop to keep out Joel Roca, while at the other end Gazzaniga saved from Roony Bardghji and dealt with a series of crosses as Barcelona pushed forward.
The dagger came on 86 minutes. Girona broke after a turnover, Roca held his composure inside the area and squared to substitute Fran Beltran, who struck a low finish into the corner to put the hosts ahead.
Barcelona pressed during a long stoppage period and thought they had equalised when Robert Lewandowski headed in, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Tempers flared in the closing seconds when Roca flew into a late challenge on Yamal, sparking a confrontation that resulted in a straight red card for the home player.
