The Blaugrana defence crumbled once again as they lost to their Catalan neighbours for the second time this season
Barcelona finally succumbed to what has seemed inevitable for weeks, losing to a high-octane Girona side, 4-2, and officially cede La Liga to Real Madrid.
Andreas Christensen opened the scoring inside five minutes for the Blaugrana, a fine volleyed effort from outside the box giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Girona responded from the ensuing kick off – La Liga top scorer Artem Dovbyk nodding home to complete a sweeping attack.
Both sides had their chances before the break. Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied first Christensen, then Ilkay Gundogan. The Blaugrana backline, too, was subjected to wave-after-wave of Girona counter-attacks. Robert Lewandowski gave the Blaugrana the lead on the stroke of half-time, though, converting from the penalty spot.
But Girona clawed their way back into it. Cristian Portu got the first, finishing at the near post after a mishit Sergi Roberto backpass gifted the home side a clear run on goal. And Miguel Gutierrez gave the hosts the lead, his deflected strike trickling in past a wrong-footed Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Portu smashed home the fourth to cap off a miserable afternoon for Xavi in Catalonia.
The result was the manifestation of a much-delayed reality. Barca have officially ceded La Liga to their biggest rivals, and now face the unenviable task of hunting down a side that only seem likely to improve.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Montilivi…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (4/10):
Couldn't really do anything about the first three, and was rather unfortunate to see the third roll past him. Odd that he didn't dive for the fourth, though.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Kept the dangerous Savio quiet, but some of his play in the attacking third was frustrating.
Ronald Araujo (4/10):
Made to look foolish on Girona's first equalising goal. Struggled against the physical Dobvyk all afternoon. His levels have dropped of late.
Pau Cubarsi (5/10):
A bit lost on two of Girona's goals. He's looked tired in recent weeks.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Once again full of ideas in the attacking sense, but his defensive weaknesses are highlighted more every week.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Opened the scoring with a memorable volley. Denied a second by an impressive goal-line stop soon after. Positionally mixed, but looks a good option as a No.6.
Sergi Roberto (5/10):
Really poor from the captain. Practically handed Girona their second goal, and didn't offer much going forward either.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Unlucky not to score with a bullet header. Offered real attacking thrust in behind Lewandowski. A rare standout this season.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
As energetic as ever, and was clean on the ball. Didn't get involved enough in a slightly unfamiliar left-sided spot.
Getty ImagesAttack
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Assisted Christensen, served as a constant source of chance creation. Won the penalty for Barca's second. Magic all afternoon.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Scored yet again, tucking his penalty home. Now has four in his last two games. Barca could have done with this earlier in the season, in truth.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Pedri (6/10):
Never really got involved in the game, and was probably introduced too late.
Raphinha (5/10):
Barely touched the ball in 20 minutes of action.
Ferran Torres (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
Benched again from the start.
Joao Felix (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Xavi (4/10):
Selected something like a full strength lineup with Barca hoping to delay Madrid's La Liga title win by at least a week. His team were good for passages going forward, but defensively abysmal again. League officially gone, ending a miserable campaign.
