Joan García heroics not enough as Barça fall to Girona
Former Espanyol keeper Joan García produces stunning display but can't prevent Barcelona from losing in Montilivi despite Cubarsí's first La Liga goal.
Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan García produced a masterclass between the sticks, but couldn’t prevent his side from slipping to defeat against Girona at Montilivi on Monday night. Without his heroics, the scoreline could have mirrored the recent Metropolitano humiliation.
García stands tall amidst Barça struggles
After a dodgy showing against Atlético Madrid where his error led to the first goal, Joan García bounced back with a performance that was proper Danny Dyer - absolutely top drawer. The former Espanyol stopper frustrated Girona’s attack throughout the evening, particularly Varnat, who saw three gilt-edged chances somehow kept out by García’s reflexes.
Joel and Bryan Gil also found themselves thwarted by the Barcelona keeper, who could do nothing about the two goals that eventually decided the match. Despite the defeat, García’s performance screamed for national team recognition, with his stats suggesting he’s on track for the Zamora Trophy as La Liga’s best goalkeeper this season.
Penalty drama costs Barça
In a pivotal moment just before half-time, Barcelona had the chance to take control when Dani Olmo won a penalty in stoppage time. Raphinha, the regular taker, surprisingly handed responsibility to Lamine Yamal - a decision that backfired when the number 10’s effort crashed against the woodwork.
Incredibly, this marked Barcelona’s 32nd time hitting the frame of the goal in just 38 official matches this season. Talk about being sick as a parrot!
Refereeing controversy continues
The build-up to the match had been dominated by refereeing discussions following Barcelona’s official letter of protest after the Atlético match. All eyes were on referee Soto Grado, and sure enough, controversial moments followed.
Barcelona were particularly aggrieved about Girona’s second goal, claiming a foul on Koundé in the build-up. The protests continued well after the final whistle, with the Catalan club feeling hard done by once again.
Cubarsí opens La Liga account
One bright spot for Barcelona was young defender Cubarsí scoring his first La Liga goal with a spectacular header from the penalty spot, connecting with Koundé’s delivery. It continued a curious trend of Barcelona’s centre-backs finding the net against Girona - Araujo had scored the winner in stoppage time during the reverse fixture.
Left flank struggles
Hansi Flick’s constant tinkering with Barcelona’s left side proved ineffective. Gerard Martín and Raphinha started in place of Balde and Olmo, who had struggled against Atlético. Midway through the second half, Flick made another double change, bringing on Balde and Roony, but neither combination clicked into gear.