Barcelona solidified their position at the top of La Liga with a commanding 4-1 victory over Catalan rivals Girona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday. Robert Lewandowski’s double and a controversial own goal highlighted a match that combined clinical finishing, defensive errors, and VAR drama.
Match Summary
Final Score: Barcelona 4 (Krejci OG 43’, Lewandowski 61’, 77’, Torres 86’) – Girona 1 (Danjuma 53’)
Attendance: 48,258
Referee: Juan Luis Pulido Santana.
Key Moments
Own Goal Opener: Girona defender Ladislav Krejci decided to audition for Barcelona’s attack, deflecting Lamine Yamal’s free-kick into his own net. VAR approved the goal, because why let actual attackers have all the fun?
Girona’s “Equalizer”: Arnaut Danjuma’s gorgeous curler briefly silenced the home crowd. Shockingly, Girona remembered how to score! Spoiler: It lasted 8 minutes.
Lewandowski’s “Aging Like Fine Wine” Act: The 36-year-old striker bulldozed Girona’s defense, scoring twice. His second? A curler so smooth, it left Girona’s keeper Paulo Gazzaniga frozen like a TikTok dance challenge reject.
Ferran Torres’ Tap-In: Because every Barça rout needs a cherry on top.
VAR Drama: Referee Pulido Santana denied Barcelona two penalties, then awarded Girona a free-kick for stumbling over the air. Classic La Liga.
Controversy and Context
VAR Drama: Barcelona fans criticized referee Pulido Santana for denying two penalty claims (a foul on Fermín López and a push on Yamal) while allowing Krejci’s own goal. Girona’s disallowed 89th-minute strike for offside added to the tension.
Ineligible Player Saga: Ahead of the match, Girona questioned Barcelona’s use of Íñigo Martínez, who played against Osasuna despite withdrawing from Spain’s national team. Manager Hansi Flick dismissed distractions, stating, “My focus is on winning games”.
Lineups and Standouts
Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Araújo, Martínez, Balde; Gavi, Pedri, Fermín; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Star Performer: Lewandowski (2 goals, 5 shots on target) and Yamal (1 assist, 3 key passes).
Girona: Gazzaniga; Gutiérrez, Krejci, Blind, Frances; Herrera, Arthur, Asprilla; Tsygankov, Danjuma, Martínez.
Bright Spot: Danjuma’s goal and relentless pressing.
Post-Match Reactions
Hansi Flick (Barça Coach): “Lewy’s age? Just a number. His goals? A middle finger to retirement plans.”
Míchel (Girona Coach): “Our defense? Let’s call it a work in progress… from the Mesozoic era.”
La Liga Standings
Barça: 1st (66 pts) – Because winning is boringly routine.
Girona: 13th (34 pts) – Seven points clear of relegation, but who’s counting?
Next Up:
Barça: Copa del Rey semi-final vs. Atlético Madrid. Bring popcorn.
Girona: Host Leganés. Bring a miracle.