Girona Stun Champions Barcelona to Reclaim Top Spot in LaLiga
In a thrilling match on Sunday, Girona reclaimed top spot in LaLiga after beating champions Barcelona 4-2 away, handing Xavi Hernandez’s side their second league defeat of the season.
Artem Dovbyk put Girona in front in the 12th minute with a shot that bounced in off the bottom of the post before Robert Lewandowski equalized for the hosts seven minutes later, heading home following a corner.
Girona, who remain unbeaten away from home in LaLiga this season, now top the standings with 41 points from 16 games, having leapfrogged Real Madrid on 39 points after Carlo Ancelotti’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis on Saturday.
Barcelona, whose only previous defeat this season was to Madrid at the end of October, are fourth on 34 points, level with third-placed Atletico Madrid who have a game in hand.
“Girona have a lot of merit in what they are doing. They are in the lead, even more so today. They’ve got seven points more than us and that’s well deserved,” Xavi said.
Barcelona had 31 attempts in the game, 11 of them on target, but Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga pulled off a string of saves while at the other end they scored with four out of their seven shots on target.
Lewandowski rediscovered his goal-scoring form and equalized for the hosts seven minutes later, heading home following a corner.
Gutierrez restored Girona’s lead before halftime with an individual effort, and Fernandez made it 3-1 in the 80th minute with a low shot two minutes after coming off the bench.
Gundogan pulled another goal back for Barca before Girona’s Stuani scored their fourth in stoppage time.
“This Girona side have a soul and believe they can hurt their opponents,” coach Michel said.
Barcelona, who on Wednesday travel to Royal Antwerp in the Champions League, next visit mid-table Valencia in the league on Saturday. Girona host 12th placed Alaves on Dec. 18.
It was a stunning victory for Girona and a disappointing loss for Barcelona, as Girona’s impressive form sees them take the lead in LaLiga and put pressure on the other top teams in the league.