Report, end result and targets as Blaugrana endure enormous setback in title chase

Girona claimed a 2-1 win over Barcelona after a frantic Catalan derby that has severely dented the Blaugrana’s La Liga title hopes.

Barcelona started with many of the possession and created early openings by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Yamal fired narrowly broad and later pressured a save from Paulo Gazzaniga when clear by, whereas Raphinha additionally dragged an effort previous the publish.

Girona threatened on the break, with Vladyslav Vanat twice testing Joan Garcia and Viktor Tsygankov firing over after a free-kick.

The guests have been handed a significant alternative simply earlier than the interval when Daley Blind fouled Dani Olmo contained in the penalty space, however Yamal struck the bottom of the publish from 12 yards.

The second half rapidly produced targets. Pau Cubarsi gave Barcelona the lead on 59 minutes, glancing dwelling Jules Kounde’s cross from shut vary.

Girona responded nearly instantly as Vanat drove down the left and his second supply fell completely for Thomas Lemar, who tapped in to degree the match.

Either side continued to create probabilities. Joan Garcia denied Tsygankov and later produced a wonderful cease to maintain out Joel Roca, whereas on the different finish Gazzaniga saved from Roony Bardghji and handled a sequence of crosses as Barcelona pushed ahead.

The dagger got here on 86 minutes. Girona broke after a turnover, Roca held his composure inside the realm and squared to substitute Fran Beltran, who struck a low end into the nook to place the hosts forward.

Barcelona pressed throughout an extended stoppage interval and thought that they had equalised when Robert Lewandowski headed in, however the purpose was dominated out for offside.

Tempers flared within the closing seconds when Roca flew right into a late problem on Yamal, sparking a confrontation that resulted in a straight purple card for the house participant.