La Liga: Girona Stun Barcelona 2-1 As Yamal Misses Crucial Penalty

Barcelona’s hopes of reclaiming the La Liga summit were dashed as Fran Beltrán’s late winner secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Girona in a pulsating Catalan derby. The defeat leaves Barça two points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.

The captivating encounter saw both sides create numerous opportunities. Raphinha and Vladyslav Vanat went close before Barcelona were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time. However, Lamine Yamal’s spot-kick agonisingly struck the post, denying them the opener.

Pau Cubarsí eventually broke the deadlock for Barça in the 59th minute with a well-placed header. Their lead was short-lived, though, as Thomas Lemar swiftly equalised for Girona just two minutes later. The hosts then capitalised on their momentum when Beltrán slotted home in the 86th minute, despite protests regarding a foul in the build-up.

Girona finished the match with ten men after Joel Roca received a red card in added time for a challenge on Yamal. This loss marks Barcelona’s second consecutive defeat, having also fallen to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.