FC Barcelona did their homework against an out-of-ideas Girona (4-1) in a match they controlled from start to finish. Three points to continue another matchday as leaders of LaLiga in a game in which they showed their superiority in all facets of the game. The Catalans returned to Montjuic on Sunday to face Girona and lighten the load after Real Madrid won on Saturday night. The victory for the home side, with an immense Pedri, came first with an own goal from Krejci and later a brace of pure killer goals from Lewandoswki, and Ferrán Torres.
FC Barcelona were far superior to Girona from the start of the match
Although there are still nine matchdays to go, everything seems to indicate that the league will be a matter for the Barcelona or Real Madrid fans. Atlético de Madrid, without ruling anything out yet, are falling behind in the fight due to their draw against Espanyol and Hansi Flick‘s men finished the job off again this Sunday in a very important victory for their league aspirations.
Both teams approached this Catalan derby as a key match for their aspirations. The home side were looking to continue winning games to maintain their lead at the top of the table, while Girona were eager to break their bad run of form and get back to winning ways after six games without a victory.
All in all, and heading into this 29th matchday of La Liga, Hansi Flick has managed to bring out the maximum potential of his players, forming a fearsome team that averages 2.8 goals per game. However, their busy schedule and the accumulation of minutes for their players during the international break could take their toll, which is what they feared from the FC Barcelona bench.
In addition, they faced an ever dangerous Girona, as it is a rival that last season, in the same scenario, managed to beat the team then coached by Xavi Hernández 1-4. Now, the azulgranas achieved the feat in a match that, without being entirely achievable, resulted in a victory for the culé against a Girona of Míchel that showed itself to be very different from last season.
The red and whites, while looking to find their best form again, face the fittest team in the whole championship. In the first leg, Girona could not stop the opposition attack and went down 1-4 at Montilivi. Although both teams took to the Montjuic pitch with different dynamics, the visitors were determined to compete. And in a way they did throughout the match.
The match began with the celebration of 100 games for Eric García in the blaugrana shirt in a match that was quite an eye-opener, with good play throughout. It was an early stage of the match in which FC Barcelona had possession of the ball in practically every play, dominating the game and regaining possession, while Girona seemed unable to get past the midfield.
FC Barcelona monologue; Pedri, cutting out and building
The most logical thing in the first 30 minutes was that Hansi Flick’s team would already be ahead on the scoreboard, with several chances for Lewandowski, Fermín and Lamine Yamal, although, by then, without reward. It was a monologue by an FC Barcelona that was enjoying itself.
In this sense, Pedri appeared (again and again) as the master of ceremonies. He cut in, defined, helped and flirted with the area on several occasions to make the first half a whole course on why he is one of the best (if not the best) at what he does.
With up to five minutes left to play before the referee blew for half-time, and with a goal disallowed for Jules Koundé, the constant pressure from the Culés led to one of the clearest chances of the game, with FC Barcelona claiming a penalty. Lamine Yamal first called for a foul on Arnaut Danjuma in a challenge for the ball inside the box, and was then fouled by Yangel Herrera.
With nothing to whistle for, on the stroke of half-time, in the 43rd minute, the first goal went on the scoreboard for FC Barcelona in a play that led to an own goal by Krejci, who made a mistake in the face of incessant pressure from the Barça forwards. A lateral foul by Lamine Yamal was deflected by Ladislav Krejci in his attempt to unsettle Eric García in the shot, with Girona’s goalkeeper, Gazzaniga, making no attempt to react. A reward for the home side who deserved to be in the lead much earlier in the game. The possession of the ball said it all: 71.6 to 28.4.
LaLiga for Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal
In the second half, with no changes at the start, it seemed that Girona were starting to grow into the game in certain conditions. In fact, even though Barça counterattacked and cut off several actions, in the 53rd minute Danjuma ran towards Szcsesny and scored the equalizer for Míchel’s team, who came out refreshed after the break.
The minutes went by and it was clear that the game plan set out by Hansi Flick after Girona’s equalizer forced the home side to up the pace, with no chance to slow down the pace of the game and think about the cup tie against Atlético Madrid in three days’ time.
Shortly afterwards, and after a few minutes of confidence for Míchel’s side, the one who always comes through returned: Lewandowski. FC Barcelona needs its leader, and its ‘killer’ responded like the pure striker he is. A goal of class, a goal from inside the area to remain at the top of the table. A fantastic resource by Lewandowski to reach a ball that was almost impossible to finish. A goal that fills FC Barcelona with confidence as they move towards their best aspirations in LaLiga.
In the rest of the game, two sides were on show: an FC Barcelona with composure, knowing how to handle the derby with ease, and a Girona that was aware that it needed to up its game to at least stand a chance. Their joy was short-lived.
Lamine Yamal was seen in high spirits, facing his full-back in every action and creating advantages for his teammates. Míchel’s team could only move back on the pitch and defend close to their goalkeeper, Gazzaniga, who saved Girona from several Barça attacks.
After regaining intensity, Frenkie de Jong, who had come on for Gavi in the second half, appeared again. The Dutchman received the ball with his back to goal and turned Arnau to set up a quick transition, driving forward to find Lewandowski who scored at the far post to make it two.
With no time to react, Ferran Torres, another of the second-half subs, scored the fourth goal. Ferran Torres is back on target, showing that he is in good form. The Foios-born player has scored 15 goals for FC Barcelona in all competitions this season, already his best tally in a single campaign in his club career.