Three talking points ahead of Girona vs Barcelona | La Liga MD24

Barcelona limp into Montilivi tonight still haunted by the 0-4 humiliation at the hands of Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, a result that all but ended their cup dream and drained the squad of momentum. Girona, winless in three matches and hovering uncomfortably near the drop zone, sense an opportunity to compound the Catalans’ misery. Hansi Flick’s side, mentally fragile and physically depleted, must respond immediately or risk watching their season spiral further out of control. Barça Universal identifies three decisive issues that will shape the outcome.

1. The psychological rebound The midweek debacle at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano was not merely a defeat; it was a systemic collapse. Barcelona were second to every loose ball, pressed without coordination and defended in disjointed fragments, conceding four times before the interval. Flick labelled the performance “far inferior” and admitted his players “were simply not up for the task.” The manager now demands a swift mental reset. If the squad channel the pain properly, tonight could become a statement of intent; if the hangover lingers, Girona’s hungry front line will pounce on any hesitation.

2. Raphinha’s return from the bench The Brazilian captain has been sidelined since the Copa clash with Albacete, and Barcelona have lost all but one of the matches he has missed. Flick has called Raphinha “the best player in the world for last season,” citing the winger’s pace, finishing and, above all, leadership as irreplaceable. Although not expected to start, he is cleared to feature and should appear early in the second half. His mere presence stretches defences, frees Lamine Yamal from double-teams and re-ignites the collective intensity that vanished in Riyadh.

3. Full-back flux: rotation or redemption? Atlético targeted Barcelona’s flanks ruthlessly, exposing Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé on nearly every break. Balde’s forays left him stranded, yet the underlying issue was the lack of a natural left-wing outlet. Koundé, by contrast, has looked uneasy for months, prompting speculation that João Cancelo could be handed a start on the right. Flick may also slide Balde into an advanced role if Raphinha is held in reserve, allowing Gerard Martín to tuck in behind and provide defensive security. How the manager shuffles his wide assets will determine whether Girona’s wingers enjoy another field day or meet a re-shaped, more resilient back line.

With both camps desperate for a tonic, tonight’s meeting at Montilivi is poised on a knife-edge. Barcelona’s season hangs on their ability to learn, adapt and fight back; Girona, sensing wounded prey, can ill-afford a fourth consecutive blank. The opening quarter-hour could set the tone for what follows.