Girona, Catalonia, Spain – February 16, 2026 – In a stunning upset in LaLiga EA Sports 25/26, Girona defeated formidable rivals Barcelona 2-1 at the Estadio Municipal de Montilivi. The match, part of the 24th fixture of the championship, saw Girona clinch a vital victory despite Barcelona’s superior possession and numerous attempts on goal.
Second-Half Drama: Goals and Missed Opportunities
The game truly ignited in the second half. Barcelona initially took the lead in the 59th minute when Pau Cubarsí, following a cross from Jules Koundé, unleashed a perfect shot into the top right corner of the net. However, Barcelona’s lead was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Girona responded emphatically as Thomas Lemar found the net with a close-range effort, assisted by Vladyslav Vanat, leveling the score at 1-1.
Adding to Barcelona’s frustrations, Lamine Yamal had missed a crucial penalty in the first half (45+3′), an incident that would prove costly as the match progressed.
Beltrán’s Late Strike Seals Girona’s Triumph
As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Girona’s Fran Beltrán delivered a decisive blow in the 85th minute. Receiving a pass from Joel Roca, Beltrán’s right-footed shot found the left corner of the net, giving Girona a 2-1 lead. This late goal secured a memorable victory for the home side.
Despite enjoying 70% possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Barcelona failed to find an equalizer. Girona held on to their lead, much to the delight of their fans, who celebrated a significant triumph over their Catalan rivals. The match concluded with a sour note for Girona as Joel Roca received a red card in stoppage time (90+9′), but this did little to diminish the jubilation of the home crowd.
Match Incidents: A Timeline
- 1′: The match begins.
- 6′: Missed opportunity. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) shoots wide from outside the box.
- 17′: Opportunity wasted. Raphinha (Barcelona) attempts a shot from inside the penalty area.
- 24′: Opportunity wasted! Ferran Torres (Barcelona) shoots just wide from the left side of the penalty area.
- 28′: Opportunity wasted. Raphinha (Barcelona) shoots over the crossbar from outside the box.
- 33′: Opportunity wasted. Fermín López (Barcelona) shoots over the crossbar from outside the box.
- 41′: Opportunity wasted. Viktor Tsygankov (Girona) shoots from outside the penalty area.
- 45 +3′: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) fails a penalty-kick!
- 59′: GOAL Barcelona: Pau Cubarsí scores, assisted by Jules Koundé. (Barcelona 1-0 Girona)
- 61′: GOAL Girona: Thomas Lemar scores, assisted by Vladyslav Vanat. (Barcelona 1-1 Girona)
- 82′: Opportunity wasted! Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) shoots wide from the right side of the penalty area.
- 86′: GOAL Girona: Fran Beltrán scores, assisted by Joel Roca. (Girona 2-1 Barcelona)
- 90 +8′: Opportunity wasted! Roony Bardghji (Barcelona) attempts a shot.
- 90 +9′: Red Card for Joel Roca (Girona).
- 998′: The referee whistles for the end of the match.
The unexpected result has significant implications for both teams in the LaLiga standings, with Girona celebrating a hard-fought victory and Barcelona left to ponder their missed chances.
Source: https://onefootball.com/es/noticias/barcelona-stumble-at-neighbours-girona-42421354
