Barcelona regained their dominance in La Liga, breaking a three-game winless streak against Girona with a resounding 4-1 triumph in the latest Catalan derby.
The victory not only cemented their lead at the top of the table but also served as a statement following last season’s setbacks against Girona, when the underdogs shocked the football world with two stunning 4-2 victories.
Those results were historic for Girona, marking their first-ever wins over Barcelona in La Liga, and earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Though Girona lost several key players during the summer, Míchel’s team stepped onto the pitch brimming with confidence, buoyed by the prospect of their maiden Champions League campaign just around the corner.
That confidence, however, proved to be a double-edged sword. A costly mistake early in the game saw veteran defender David Lopez dispossessed by Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal.
The teenager, showing composure beyond his years, darted into the penalty area and coolly slotted the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga from 10 yards out, putting the visitors ahead with barely 12 minutes on the clock.
Barcelona, smelling blood, went for more. Just seven minutes later, Yamal once again stole the show, doubling his tally with a spectacular 25-yard curler that left Gazzaniga with no chance.
The 16-year-old sensation, already crowned La Liga’s U23 Player of the Month, demonstrated why he is being touted as Barcelona’s future, blending youthful exuberance with clinical precision.
Despite a brief moment of reprieve for Girona, when a potential penalty was overturned by VAR just before halftime, Barcelona remained in control.
Girona struggled to regain their footing, and the game slipped further from their grasp two minutes into the second half.
Dani Olmo, fed expertly by Jules Koundé, unleashed a thunderous half-volley from inside the box, leaving the Girona defense in tatters and the scoreline 3-0.
With the match firmly in Barcelona’s hands, the final half-hour resembled a training drill, as Girona’s defense buckled under relentless pressure.
Yamal continued to torment the backline, and it seemed inevitable that Barcelona would add to their tally. Their fourth goal came in stunning fashion, as Marc Casadó threaded a clever reverse pass to Pedri, who calmly rounded Gazzaniga before slotting the ball into the net, making it 4-0.
Girona did manage a late consolation through Cristhian Stuani, who tapped home from close range with 10 minutes left on the clock, providing a brief moment of celebration for the home supporters.
Yet, the goal did little to lift Girona’s spirits in a match where they were largely outclassed.
Adding to the drama, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres was sent off in the final stages after a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
But even with the man disadvantage, Barcelona’s control of the game never wavered. This emphatic victory marked their fifth consecutive win of the season, signaling that despite a shaky record against Girona last season, the Catalan giants remain a force to be reckoned with as they chase yet another La Liga title.
