After the recent international break, Barcelona is eager to bounce back quickly as they prepare to welcome their regional rivals Girona to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this Saturday.
This crucial encounter follows Barcelona’s recent 4-1 defeat at the hands of Sevilla, a result that ended their unbeaten run in La Liga.
Not only did this loss dent the team’s confidence, but it also allowed Real Madrid to leapfrog Barcelona at the top of the table, leaving Hansi Flick‘s side trailing by two points. However, the international break might have offered a valuable opportunity for reflection and tactical adjustments ahead of their next challenge.
On the other hand, Girona are precariously positioned near the relegation zone but have shown encouraging signs of improvement lately. They will be determined to disrupt Barcelona’s momentum and are unlikely to settle for a passive role in this derby.
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Barcelona vs Girona: Match Preview
Hansi Flick and his squad are fully aware of the necessity to respond swiftly. Before their defeat to Sevilla, Barcelona had amassed five wins in six league fixtures, including dominant performances against Valencia (6-0), Getafe (3-0), and Real Oviedo (3-1).
The Catalan side averaged an impressive 2.7 goals per game, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line, scoring four goals in eight appearances. Yet, the Sevilla loss exposed defensive frailties and tactical lapses that had also been apparent during their UEFA Champions League encounter with PSG.
One silver lining for Barcelona is that this match will be held at the Olímpic, where they remain unbeaten this season, a factor that should boost morale amid ongoing renovations at Camp Nou.
Girona’s campaign began on a rocky note, suffering heavy defeats such as a 5-0 loss to Villarreal and a 4-0 setback against Levante. These early struggles forced the team to rethink their approach, and recent results suggest a more resilient and measured performance.
In their last five matches, Girona have lost only once and secured a crucial 2-1 win over Valencia. Despite conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game, their attacking threat remains evident, even when facing stronger opponents.
Head-to-Head Analysis: Barcelona vs Girona
The recent history between these Catalan rivals has been tightly contested. In their last five La Liga clashes, both sides have won twice each, with one game ending in a stalemate, highlighting the competitive nature of this matchup.
Only one of these encounters featured fewer than three goals, indicating that the upcoming fixture is likely to be entertaining and high-scoring. These derbies are renowned for their intensity, unpredictability, and open style of play, embodying the essence of Catalan football.
Team News: Barcelona and Girona
Barcelona is grappling with a significant injury list ahead of this match. Gavi and Joan García remain out with meniscus injuries, while Ter Stegen is still managing back problems. Although Raphinha has returned to training, his hamstring injury necessitates careful handling.
Both Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have recovered from their injuries but are unlikely to start, potentially featuring only as late substitutes.
Adding to their difficulties, Lewandowski picked up an injury during international duty with Poland and is expected to be sidelined for about a month. Ferran Torres also withdrew from Spain’s squad due to a knock and will miss this fixture. As a result, Barcelona’s attacking options are limited, with Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji expected to spearhead the offense.
Girona’s squad is also stretched thin. Suspensions rule out Francés and Iván Martín, while injuries have sidelined Van de Beek, Ruiz, Ounahi, and Juan Carlos. Coach Michel may have to depend on younger or less seasoned players to face the formidable Barcelona lineup.
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona’s superior talent and home advantage are expected to shine through, although Girona could pose a threat on the counterattack.
Expected Starting Lineups
Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Bardghji, Fermin, Rashford; T Fernandez
Girona: Gazzaniga; Reis, Blind, Martinez; Rincon, Solis, Witsel, Moreno; Roca, Vanat, Gil
Prediction
Barcelona is anticipated to dominate possession, while Girona will look to exploit quick breaks through players like Portu and Vanat. Fans can expect an energetic and goal-filled Catalan derby.
Forecasted Result: Barcelona 3-1 Girona