Player Ratings: Yamal and Ferran disappoint as Barcelona lose top spot in Girona

Despite a Pau Cubarsi header and a high-energy return for Raphinha, Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat as Girona’s late surge and Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss proved decisive.

Barcelona traveled to the Estadi Montilivi on Monday night seeking redemption following their recent Copa del Rey exit.

While Hansi Flick’s side controlled the tempo during the opening half, they were ultimately undone by a resurgent Girona side that capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a 2-1 victory.

The result marks a second consecutive defeat for the Blaugrana, raising urgent concerns about the team’s consistency as the title race intensifies.

​Joan Garcia: 7

The shot-stopper redeemed himself after a difficult midweek performance with a series of vital interventions. His distribution was composed, and he kept the visitors alive with a spectacular triple save in the 71st minute, though he was left unprotected for Girona’s late winning strike.

​Gerard Martin: 6.5

Filling in for Alejandro Balde, the young left-back provided a reliable defensive presence. While he offered limited overlapping threat in the final third, his positioning was disciplined, highlighted by a crucial goal-saving challenge in the 53rd minute that prevented a certain breakaway.

​Pau Cubarsi: 6

It was a night of extreme highs and lows for the teenage center-back. He initially put Barcelona ahead with a perfectly directed header from a set-piece, but his evening soured when a weak clearance allowed Girona to equalize. His defensive stability fluctuated significantly as the match wore on.

​Eric Garcia: 5

The academy product started the match with poise, maintaining a high line and working well in tandem with Cubarsi to catch Girona offside. However, his performance dipped sharply in the second half, where he struggled to track runners and looked increasingly vulnerable under pressure.

​Jules Kounde: 5

While the Frenchman provided the pinpoint cross for Barcelona’s only goal, he struggled in his primary defensive duties. He was caught out of position for the equalizer and failed to prevent the delivery into the box, marking an inconsistent outing for the right-back.

​Frenkie de Jong: 6

Wearing the captain’s armband in Pedri’s absence, the Dutchman was the primary engine in midfield during the first hour. He effectively dictated the rhythm and broke up several counters, but his physical intensity waned late in the game, allowing Girona to seize control of the center.

​Dani Olmo: 7

One of the most creative sparks for the visitors, Olmo consistently found pockets of space between the lines. He won a penalty through clever movement just before the interval, and while the chance was squandered, his overall vision remained a bright spot in a disjointed attack.

​Fermin Lopez: 6.5

The energetic midfielder worked tirelessly to link the play and penetrate the box with late runs. While his passing through the lines was productive and helped sustain pressure in the first half, he lacked the clinical edge required to convert his movements into clear-cut scoring chances.

​Lamine Yamal: 6

A frustrating night for the teenage star, who displayed flashes of brilliance but lacked a finishing touch. After a stunning individual dribble, he missed a clear one-on-one opportunity and later saw his penalty kick strike the woodwork, leaving him unable to change the game’s trajectory.

​Raphinha: 7.5

Returning directly into the starting lineup from injury, the Brazilian was comfortably Barcelona’s most industrious player. He led the high press with relentless energy and forced several saves from the Girona keeper, proving to be the most consistent threat in Flick’s offensive unit.

​Ferran Torres: 5

Operating as the central striker, Torres struggled to exert any meaningful influence on the contest. He was largely isolated from the team’s buildup play and failed to register any significant shots on target, acting as a passenger for much of the evening before being substituted.