Girona stunned Barcelona 2-1 in a heated Catalan derby on Monday as teenage star Lamine Yamal missed a first-half penalty, costing the visitors a chance to reclaim top spot in La Liga, reports UNB.
Barcelona now trail arch-rivals Real Madrid by two points in the title race after substitute Fran Beltran struck late to secure all three points for Girona at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.
The visitors briefly went ahead just before the hour mark when defender Pau Cubarsí headed home his first league goal from a cross by Jules Koundé. But the lead lasted only two minutes as Thomas Lemar equalised for Girona, tapping in from close range.
Girona completed the comeback in the 86th minute through Beltran, whose goal stood despite Barcelona protests over a possible foul in the build-up. A brief VAR review upheld the decision.
Earlier, Barcelona had squandered several clear chances. Yamal missed twice from close range before smashing a penalty against the post in first-half stoppage time.
The home side were reduced to 10 men deep into added time when Joel Roca was sent off for a reckless challenge on Yamal, but Barcelona failed to take advantage and could not find an equaliser.
The defeat is Barcelona’s second in a row in all competitions and their third league loss this season to regional rivals. Girona, meanwhile, ended a three-match winless run, easing relegation worries as they climbed to mid-table.
Barcelona’s winning streak in the league ends at three matches, with pressure mounting ahead of their next fixture as the title race tightens.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
