Barcelona suffer shock 2-1 loss to Girona as Yamal misses penalty, Real Madrid two points clear atop La Liga | OneFootball

Barcelona suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Girona last night, leaving the Catalan giants two points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Barca were expected to make light work of struggling Girona in the derby and leap above Madrid, who had taken a two-point lead following their win this weekend.

However, Girona shocked the reigning La Liga champions, claiming a memorable 2-1 win that could have been worse if not for Joan Garcia between the sticks.

Barca had the best opportunities in the opening half as Raphinha hit the post with a vicious shot.

They then received a penalty call, but Lamine Yamal stepped up and hit the upright again.

The Spaniard had a game to forget as he also missed a one-on-one chance to make up for his botched penalty.

Still, Barcelona took the lead in the 59th minute through defender Pau Cubarsi, who stayed forward following a corner.

He expertly guided a fine Jules Kounde cross into the back of the net.

Unfortunately, that joy was short-lived. Thomas Lemar ghosted into the Barca backline, unperturbed, and stroked in a cross to draw the game level on 62.

Girona had their tails up and pushed hard for a winner. Garcia made two point-blank saves to keep his side in the tie.

There was nothing he could do after Barca failed to clear their lines in the 87th minute and allowed Fran Beltran to net the winner.

The loss compounds a miserable week for Barcelona following a heavy loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

Barca now find themselves behind in the title race against a Madrid side building steam for the second half of the season.

They face a fight on their hands to turn the tide and usurp Madrid’s place on the league log.

Manager Hansi Flick must galvanise a team that is struggling for form and confidence after two debilitating losses.