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Girona beats Barcelona 2-1 after late swing

Kagi News | 2026-02-16 18:00 UTC | source

⚽ Girona beat Barcelona 2-1 in a LaLiga derby at Montilivi on Monday. Barcelona will rue Lamine Yamal’s missed first-half penalty and a late swing that cost them ground in the title race 163. The defeat was Barcelona’s second in less than a week and left them second in the table, two points behind Real Madrid, according to The Hindu’s match report 1.

After the final whistle, several outlets pointed to disputes around the missed-penalty sequence and the build-up to Girona’s winning goal, including VAR debate and post-match reactions 52. For Girona, it was a confidence-boosting win—and another reminder of how tight and unpredictable the run-in can be in Spain’s top flight 16.

Girona, Spain
Action from Girona vs Barcelona in LaLiga, where Girona won 2-1.
Action from Girona vs Barcelona in LaLiga, where Girona won 2-1. — The Hindu / AP

Sources

  1. Yamal misses a penalty and Barcelona''s late collapse hands Girona a 2-1 win in La Liga [thehindu.com] (2026-02-17)
  2. Joan García was furious over the VAR controversy following Barcelona's loss [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  3. Lamine Yamal misses penalty as Barcelona falls behind Real Madrid in title race [marca.com] (2026-02-16)
  4. Barcelona fans lash out at one of their stars after Girona defeat [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
  5. Ref controversy in derby defeat: why Barça feel hard done by again [yahoo.com] (2026-02-17)
  6. Lamine Yamal Misses Penalty As Barcelona Drops Crucial Points In LaLiga Title Race [foxsports.com] (2026-02-17)
  7. ‘Everyone saw what happened’ - Pau Cubarsi speaks out after Barcelona lose to Girona - Barca Blaugranes [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  8. Football latest: Barcelona beaten by late Girona winner [skysports.com] (2026-02-16)
  9. Barcelona miss chance to regain top spot with shock loss at Girona [skysports.com] (2026-02-16)

Highlights

  1. Penalty retake debate: Yahoo said some Barcelona supporters argued Yamal’s first-half miss at 0-0 should have been retaken because players from both teams appeared to encroach into the area early 5.
  2. Build-up foul debate: Yahoo said Echeverri stepped on Jules Koundé’s foot shortly before Girona’s winner. VAR allowed play to continue, and the ball reached Fran Beltrán via Roca for the finish 5.
  3. Goalkeeper reaction: Marca called Joan García Barcelona’s standout performer, but said he was furious afterward and questioned the VAR-handled sequence leading to the decisive goal 2.
  4. Fan backlash: Marca reported that, amid broader frustration after the defeat, much of the online criticism from Barcelona fans focused on Ferran Torres 4.
Lamine Yamal during Barcelona’s 2-1 loss at Girona.
Lamine Yamal during Barcelona’s 2-1 loss at Girona. — Fox Sports

Perspectives

Joan García (Barcelona goalkeeper): He said he was angry and raised doubts about the sequence that led to Girona’s winning goal, directing his complaint at VAR decision-making 2.

Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona defender): He avoided judging the contentious incident, but stressed self-critique, saying Barcelona can’t allow opponents to score two goals 5.

Hansi Flick (Barcelona coach): He signaled he’s tired of public refereeing debates, refusing to comment on the decisions after the match 5.