By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Barcelona will remain in second place in the La Liga table and two points behind log leaders after 2-1 defeat to Girona at Montilivi on Monday night.
Lamine Yamal missed a penalty and Hansi Flick’s side were left fuming by a controversial late goal, as the Catalan side dropped points in the title race amidst a fierce battle with Real Madrid at the summit.
Both sides were attacking with abandon in the first half and it was remarkable they went in goalless at the break.
Barca broke the deadlock in 59 minutes as Pau Cubarsi scored with a sensational header, finding the top corner from Jules Kounde’s cross.
But within a minute, Girona were level thanks to Thomas Lemar’s close-range tap-in, after Cubarsi failed to clear the ball effectively.
Barca could not stem the tide and Girona forced their way in front after 87 minutes, with Fran Beltran stroking home from the edge of the area.
The visitors, who last week made an official complaint to the Spanish football federation over perceived refereeing inconsistencies, were left fuming after Kounde was fouled in the build-up and it went unpunished.