Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss costly as Barcelona surrenders LaLiga lead in Girona loss

Girona mounted a late comeback to defeat Barcelona 2-1, leaving Hansi Flick’s side in second place after Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss and a controversial late winner from Fran Beltran.

Barcelona suffered a major setback in their La Liga title defense after a 2-1 loss to Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Monday.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal missed a critical first-half penalty before defender Pau Cubarsi finally broke the deadlock with a 59th-minute header.

However, Thomas Lemar equalized almost immediately for the hosts, shifting the momentum in a thrilling derby that left Hansi Flick’s side trailing Real Madrid by two points.

Girona snatched the victory in the 86th minute when Fran Beltran fired home from the edge of the area, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home fans.

Barcelona players and staff were left incensed by a perceived foul on Jules Kounde in the buildup to the winner, leading Flick to confront the officials at the final whistle.

Flick later expressed his frustration, stating, “We need some players back and fit” as injuries continue to stretch his squad.