Three talking points from Girona 2-1 Barcelona as Hansi Flick’s side left fuming by late goal

Montilivi, Sunday night – Barcelona departed Girona with the bitter taste of a 2-1 defeat, a result that leaves the Blaugrana camp both frustrated and introspective after a match they dominated statistically yet lost on the scoreboard. The setback comes on the heels of Hansi Flick’s heaviest defeat in 21 years, a humbling context that magnified the importance of a response in the Catalan derby. Instead, the visitors watched their neighbours celebrate a dramatic winner while Real Madrid, top of the table before kick-off, stretched the gap.

Here are the three key talking points from an enthralling 90 minutes:

1. Defensive uncertainty persists For spells Barcelona’s back line looked more settled than in recent weeks, particularly with Gerard Martin stationed on the left and Eric García tucked inside. After Alejandro Balde was tormented in the previous outing, Martin’s steady display gives Flick food for thought: has the 21-year-old done enough to usurp Balde and make the position his own? On the opposite flank the manager must still decide between Jules Koundé and João Cancelo, a selection dilemma that underlines the ongoing search for cohesion. Goalkeeper Joan García did not hide his concern post-match: “We are conceding way too many chances, we concede too easily. My many saves are not a good thing.”

2. Profligacy in front of goal Lamine Yamal embodied Barcelona’s Jekyll-and-Hyde evening. The teenager glided past defenders with trademark swagger, yet repeatedly elected for the spectacular when simpler options were available. He saw a first-half penalty saved and, along with his team-mates, struck the woodwork twice. By the final whistle Barça had unleashed 27 attempts but found the net only once – a blunt edge that proved decisive.

3. Intensity and mentality questioned Flick’s side arrived knowing every point is precious in a title race already shaping up as a two-horse gallop. Still, the performance mirrored the lacklustre showing at the Metropolitano: plenty of possession, insufficient punch, and a late lapse punished ruthlessly. “It isn’t enough to just turn up and expect to win,” the coaching staff stressed afterwards. The message was clear: no cutting corners, no half-hearted displays. At present, too many players are falling short of the club’s non-negotiable standards.

With the loss Barcelona remain adrift of the summit and with plenty to ponder before the next league assignment. If the championship is to stay in Catalonia, the blend of defensive solidity, clinical finishing and weekly intensity must improve – starting immediately.