FC Barcelona 4-1 Girona FC: Derby Triumph
A Girona own goal, two from Lewandowski, and a late strike from Ferran Torres secure another crucial three points in La Liga.
Just three days after their 3-0 win over Osasuna, Barcelona returned to the Estadi OlΓmpic for a Catalan derby against Girona. Despite some challenges, they secured a convincing 4-1 victory, maintaining their three-point lead over Real Madrid, who had staged a comeback to beat LeganΓ©s 3-2 the night before.
Dominance Finally Rewarded
With 72% possession, BarΓ§a dominated the game and should have been ahead long before they broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. Gironaβs goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, produced several stunning saves, including a remarkable stop from Ronald Araujoβs header.
A controversial moment arose when Fermin LΓ³pez appeared to be pushed, but the referee dismissed penalty claims. Jules KoundΓ© also saw a goal ruled out for offside. However, BarΓ§a finally took the lead when Lamine Yamalβs free-kick deflected off Ladislav KrejcΓβs hand, deceiving Gazzaniga and rolling into the net.
Gironaβs Response
Despite leading 1-0 at halftime, Barça faced a setback early in the second half when Daley Blind set up Arnaut Danjuma, who leveled the score at 1-1.
Lewandowski Takes Control
BarΓ§a quickly regained their advantage as a well-worked passing move saw Fermin LΓ³pez head the ball toward Lewandowski, who stretched to convert it into his 24th league goal. The Polish striker wasnβt done yet, netting his 25th of the season after an assist from Frenkie de Jong, making it 3-1.
Sealing the Win
Ferran Torres added a fourth in the 85th minute from a Gerard Martin assist, scoring his fourth goal in three games. Lamine Yamal nearly capped his impressive performance with a stunning goal, but the crossbar denied him.
Next, Barça faces Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday before returning to La Liga action against Real Betis on Saturday.
