Barcelona Faces Must-Win Match at Girona After Champions League Setback
Barcelona travels to Girona on Monday with the urgency of reclaiming the top spot in LaLiga following a disappointing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Real Madrid’s recent victory over Real Sociedad. The Catalans currently trail Real Madrid by two points in the league standings.
The match presents a significant challenge for Hansi Flick’s side, still reeling from a 4-0 loss to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie. That result exposed vulnerabilities in Barcelona’s defense, a recurring issue throughout the season, and has left the team emotionally shaken, according to reports.
Girona, meanwhile, enters the match with a different set of circumstances. They are currently 15th in the LaLiga table, just two points above the relegation zone, and a victory against Barcelona would provide a crucial boost in their fight to avoid the drop. They arrive without the pressure of being favorites, hoping to capitalize on Barcelona’s recent struggles.
Flick faces further complications with key injuries. Pedri remains sidelined, and while Raphinha has recovered, the team is still without several attacking options. The coach will be looking to Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski to lead the attack against Girona.
Barcelona’s defensive frailties have been a defining feature since Flick took over at the start of the 2024-25 season. While a potent attack has often compensated for these weaknesses, recent performances, including a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League and a narrow 4-2 win against Slavia Praha, have highlighted the team’s susceptibility. The defeat to Atlético Madrid served as a stark reminder of these vulnerabilities.
Players reportedly expressed concerns to Flick about his tactical approach, suggesting a need for adjustments, particularly when key players like Raphinha and Pedri are unavailable. The team’s all-out attacking style, while successful at times, has left them exposed defensively.
Despite the recent setbacks, Barcelona remains determined to secure the LaLiga title. They currently have 58 points, with 19 wins, one draw, and three losses. Girona has 26 points, narrowly avoiding the relegation places.
Match Details
Girona vs Barcelona
Monday, February 16
3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CDMX / 5:00 p.m. Argentina, Chile and Uruguay
Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, Girona
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports in Mexico and ESPN Deportes in the United States.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Bucket; Fermin Lopez, De Jong, Dani Elmo; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski.
Girona: Gazzaniga, Hugo Rincón, Vitor Reis, Blind, Arnau; Fran Beltrán, Iván Martín, Tsygankov, Lemar, Bryan Gil, and Vanat.
Barcelona’s trip to Girona represents a critical juncture in the LaLiga title race. A win is essential to regain the lead and maintain pressure on Real Madrid, while a slip-up could prove costly in the remaining months of the season. The team will need to overcome their recent struggles and demonstrate resilience to secure a positive result against a determined Girona side.
