Girona pulled off a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Barcelona in a dramatic Catalan derby at Estadi Montilivi on February 16, 2026, denying the Blaugrana the chance to reclaim top spot in La Liga.
The match saw Barcelona dominate early chances but fail to capitalize, most notably when Lamine Yamal struck the post with a penalty right before halftime. Pau Cubarsí headed Barcelona ahead in the 59th minute from Jules Koundé’s cross, but the lead lasted only minutes as Thomas Lemar equalized almost immediately for Girona following a chaotic cross from Vladyslav Vanat.Girona grew stronger in the second half, exploiting Barcelona’s defensive lapses in a fiery contest.
The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when substitute Fran Beltrán fired home a low drive from Joel Roca’s pass, completing the turnaround and sealing a vital win for the hosts.
The result ended Girona’s three-game winless run and lifted them further from relegation concerns.Barcelona’s wastefulness in front of goal and late collapse proved costly, leaving them two points behind leaders Real Madrid after the defeat.
Hansi Flick’s side now face mounting pressure in the title race following consecutive setbacks.The match ended with late drama as Girona’s Joel Roca was sent off deep in stoppage time, but it did nothing to alter the outcome in this breathless encounter.
