Barcelona dominated from the first whistle, immediately putting pressure on their near neighbours. Marcus Rashford tested Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga with an early free-kick, while Lamine Yamal caused constant problems on the opposite wing.

Girona’s 5-1-4 formation initially frustrated Barcelona’s attacking intent, but it couldn’t prevent the opener. Brilliant play from Pedri created space, and his reverse shot trickled in off the post, marking the club’s 47th consecutive game scored in—a new record.

Girona began to find their rhythm nearly 20 minutes later. From a corner, the experienced Axel Witsel equalised with a stunning overhead kick. Girona came close again shortly after, but Wojciech Szczesny made a crucial save, and Portu hit the post after slicing through Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Gazzaniga was once again on hand to tip a Frenkie de Jong shot around the post as the match surged end to end. Rashford also saw a powerful free-kick denied by the woodwork, and while Barcelona dominated possession approaching halftime, Girona continued to threaten, with Bryan Gil and Witsel missing good chances.

The second half started with a long-range strike from Barcelona’s substitute Fermin Lopez, but Girona quickly regained control, with Gil again coming close. Both teams maintained an attacking approach in torrential conditions, and Barcelona thought they had gone ahead through Pau Cubarsi, only for the goal to be ruled out for an earlier infringement.

Rashford squandered a three-yard opportunity but forced two more saves from Gazzaniga as Barcelona pushed for a winner. Girona, increasingly relying on the counter, defended resolutely under constant pressure, earning the admiration of supporters despite the onslaught.

Tensions flared late when Hansi Flick received a stoppage-time red card for dissent, but the drama peaked moments later. Ronald Araujo slid in a 93rd-minute winner, sending the home crowd into ecstasy.

The victory continues Barcelona’s strong record against Girona, extending Girona’s run to 12 league games lost after conceding first—a streak dating back to March against the same opponents.