Updated On: 18 February, 2026 10:17 AM IST | Girona, Spain | AFP
Defending champions FC Barcelona fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat against Girona FC, slipping two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. Barcelona’s title defence suffered a setback on Monday as Girona staged a stirring comeback to win 2-1 in an enthralling Catalan derby

Barcelona players react after losing during the Spanish league football match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium in Girona. Pic/AFP
Spanish champions Barcelona fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona on Monday to leave them trailing Real Madrid by two points at the top of La Liga. Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad on Saturday to overtake the Catalans and Hansi Flick's side could not defeat Girona in an gripping derby clash to reclaim the lead. Teenage star Lamine Yamal missed a penalty for Barcelona, who took the lead through defender Pau Cubarsi just before the hour mark. However goals from Thomas Lemar and Fran Beltran helped Girona, 12th, mount an impressive comeback.
"In the end Girona deserved it, they had a lot of chances, we defended very badly," admitted Flick. "We are not in a good mood, not in a good moment, I gave the team two days off because I think it's important they reset. "There's a long way (to go), we're now in second, now we have to fight for first place in the table." Barca were still licking their wounds after a heavy 4-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey first-leg semi-final last week, and this defeat made things even worse.