Barcelona missed a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in La Liga as Girona pulled off a late 86th-minute winner at Estadio Montilivi.

 Substitute Fran Beltran struck for the hosts, leaving Hansi Flick’s side two points behind Real Madrid and easing relegation worries for Girona.

The game was a rollercoaster from the start. Girona pressed relentlessly, testing keeper Joan Garcia inside the opening minute, while Barcelona looked sluggish, squandering several chances. Young star Lamine Yamalhad a nightmare afternoon, missing two close-range opportunities and smashing a penalty off the post in first-half stoppage time.

Barcelona briefly grabbed the lead in the second half when defender Pau Cubarsi looped a header into the top corner from Jules Kounde’s cross, but Girona hit back immediately. Midfielder Thomas Lemar converted Vladyslav Vanat’s assist to level the match, and late drama saw Girona steal the points despite Barcelona being reduced to ten men in stoppage time after a foul on Yamal.

The defeat deepens Barcelona’s woes, following a recent  4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final loss to Atletico Madrid. Girona, meanwhile, climbs to 12th, which puts some breathing room between themselves and relegation. Barcelona now face a potential five-point gap at the top, with Real Madrid visiting Osasuna before Barca hosts Levante.