Saturday night in Montilivi, FC Barcelona faced Girona in the Catalan La Liga derby. With 2nd place to secure, Xavi’s men had to take points on the neighbour’s field. The Blaugrana quickly took the lead thanks to a goal on Christensenbefore they join the next action and the realization of Dovbyk. Lewandowski gave Barça the lead again on penalties before the break, but a double from Portu and a score from Miguel gave Girona victory in the second half (4-2). Barça lose their place as runners-up and must make up a one-point deficit to qualify for the next Spanish Super Cup. There are 4 days left.
Lively start to the match
Barça quickly opened the scoring. On a good ball Laminate Yamal over the defense, Andreas Christensen chest control and places an unstoppable volley into the opposite net (0-1, 3rd).
On the commitment, Girona equalises. After the good work of Ivan Martin, Pichichi from La Liga, Dobvyk, is found and scores with a header (1-1, 4.).
Before a quarter of a game, Christensen is very close to signing a double, on a diving header, but Gazzaniga pushes back on the line (14th).
Just after the half-hour, João Cancelo found the header Gundogan and the German midfielder sees his effort deflected off the crossbar! (33rd). Barça are in control of possession (60%) and are dangerous in every move, but are prone to counter-attacks from the locals.
Barça go back in front
Before break, Laminate Yamal is tackled in the area and the referee, with the help of VAR, awards the penalty spot. Robert Lewandowski transforms it (1-2, 45.).
Back from the dressing room, Girona push to get back into the game, but the Blaugrana defend well. João Cancelo is very close to scoring the stoppage time goal when he goes towards goal alone, but his shot is smashed (57th).
Everything smiles in Girona
On a misdirected ball Ter Stegen of Serge Roberto, Portu equalized when he just entered (2-2, 66.). Pushed by their supporters, the locals took the advantage in the following action, thanks to Miguel, served behind before striking Ter Stegen on a rejected shot (3-2, 67.).
Ter Stegen avoids the worst with a blank save, with a firm hand, in front of Herrera (72.). But the Barça goalkeeper can’t do anything on Portu’s volley two minutes later (4-2, 75.).
At the end of the game, the Blaugrana were uninspired, unlike their rival, who was full of confidence. Koundé on its line and Ter Stegen must work hard to avoid conceding another goal (90+2).
With this victory, Girona qualifies for the first Champions League in its history. About FC Barcelonahe must fight to take his second qualifying spot for the Spanish Super Cup.
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