Welcome to the Montilivi Stadium! This cozy venue nestled in Catalonia sets the stage for a colossal La Liga showdown between Girona and Barcelona. As the Catalan derby unfolds, Barcelona enters the fray with aspirations of securing a victory to solidify their grasp on second place in the league standings, thereby clinching a coveted spot in next year’s Spanish Super Cup.
However, the task at hand won’t be a walk in the park, as they face off against Girona, the surprise package of the Spanish league this season. Girona has consistently showcased stellar football throughout the campaign and has already bested Barcelona once earlier in the season. Anticipation runs high as these two formidable sides clash, promising an exhilarating spectacle for all spectators. So, join us as we embark on this thrilling journey together, tracking and commenting on every twist and turn of the action. Vamos!
LINEUPS
Here are the lineups for both teams in the Girona vs Barcelona match:
BARCELONA
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Cancelo
- Midfielders: Christensen, Roberto
- Forwards: Yamal, Gündogan, Fermín
- Striker: Lewandowski
Substitutes:
- Goalkeepers: Peña, Kochen
- Defenders: Iñigo, Alonso
- Midfielders: Fort, Romeu, Pedri, Raphinha
- Forwards: Félix, Ferran, Roque
GIRONA
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Gazzaniga
- Defenders: Eric, López, Blind, Miguel
- Midfielders: Martín, Herrera, Aleix
- Forwards: Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Sávio
Substitutes:
- Goalkeepers: Carlos, Fuidias
- Defenders: Arnau, Valery, Juanpe, Couto
- Midfielders: Villa, Portu
- Forward: Jastin
GAME TIMELINE
KICKOFF!
The referee’s whistle signals the start of proceedings at the Montilivi Stadium as Girona and Barcelona kick off their highly anticipated encounter. With both teams eager to make an early impression, the stage is set for a fiercely contested battle on the pitch.
3′ – GOLAZO!!!!!
In a stunning turn of events, Barcelona seizes the initiative with a breathtaking goal from Andreas Christensen. Lamine Yamal’s exquisite through ball finds Christensen, who displays exquisite control before unleashing a thunderous volley into the back of the net. The Montilivi Stadium erupts in celebration as Barcelona takes an early lead in spectacular fashion.
4′ – GOAL!
However, Girona wastes no time in responding as Artem Dovbyk capitalizes on a defensive lapse to level the scores. Iván Martín’s pinpoint cross finds Dovbyk unmarked in the box, and the towering striker makes no mistake with a clinical header past the helpless Barcelona goalkeeper.
45′ – PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
Just before the halftime whistle, Barcelona is awarded a penalty after Lamine Yamal is brought down in the box by Miguel Gutiérrez. Following a VAR review, the referee points to the spot, handing Barcelona a golden opportunity to regain the lead before the break.
45+1′ – GOAL!!!
Robert Lewandowski steps up to the spot and coolly converts the penalty, sending the Girona goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Barcelona’s advantage. The visitors head into halftime with a slender lead, but Girona remains firmly in contention as the second half beckons.
SECOND HALF KICKOFF!
The action resumes at the Montilivi Stadium as Girona and Barcelona take to the field for the second half. With the game finely poised, both teams will be eager to seize the initiative and secure a positive result as the battle for supremacy continues.
65′ – GOAL!
Girona draws level once again as Portu capitalizes on a defensive error to slot home from close range. Sergi Roberto’s errant pass gifts possession to Dovbyk, who unselfishly sets up Portu to restore parity with a clinical finish.
67′ – GOAL!
In a stunning turn of events, Girona completes the comeback with a quickfire double, as Miguel Gutiérrez’s shot deflects off Jules Kounde into the Barcelona net. The Montilivi Stadium erupts in jubilation as Girona takes the lead for the first time in the match, leaving Barcelona reeling.
75′ – GOAL!
Girona extends their advantage with a sensational strike from Portu, who latches onto a sublime assist from Sávio before unleashing a thunderous volley into the Barcelona net. The Montilivi faithful erupts in celebration as Girona takes a commanding 4-2 lead, leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb in the closing stages of the match.
FULL-TIME
As the final whistle blows, Girona emerges victorious with a resounding 4-2 win over Barcelona in a thrilling encounter at the Montilivi Stadium. A 10-minute implosion proves costly for Barcelona as Girona moves ahead of their famous rivals in the league standings and secures a spot in next season’s Champions League. Despite missing several chances in the second half, Barcelona ultimately succumbs to defeat due to Portu’s decisive substitute cameo and a series of individual mistakes. It’s yet another painful loss for Barcelona in what has been a disappointing season, as they are left to rue what might have been in this captivating Catalan derby.