FC Barcelona I spent the whole weekend reflecting on the shock of losing 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. atlético madridwith this Catalunya derby Girona This is this Monday night’s show.
With kick-off at 9pm CET in Montilivi, Barça will aim to maintain their lead in La Liga, but will hope they have only surrendered it temporarily. real madridThey defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday and are now two points behind after one game.
head and head
Curiously, this will be the fourth time Girona and Barça will meet on Monday, despite their limited history. And history became a match against Barça. Barça have failed to win any of their last three matches, drawing only one with Girona winning the other two.
However, Barça have won their last three games against the club, which is located just 100km north-east of their home base. Both last two games Estady Lewis Companiesa 2-1 win earlier this season was decided by a second-half goal. Ronald AraujoLast season, they won an overwhelming 4-1.
I’ve never been to Barça montilivi Another 4-1 win for the first time since September 2024 thanks to two goals. Lamine Yamal and each goal Pedri and Olmo. Since Girona first appeared in the top flight in 2017, Barça have visited Girona five times, winning four of them. So history is very much on their side. Except Monday…
Girona form guide
When Girona were relegated in 2019, many expected their two seasons in La Liga to be nothing more than a historical anecdote. But three years later they returned and have been here ever since, reaching dizzying heights of Champions League football.
However, they struggled in a relegation battle last season, and the 2025-26 season is not going to be any better. Their form at home has been particularly disappointing, with only three league games played in front of their home fans so far. But their coach has been there for five years. michellethings seem to be sorted out. With just one loss in their last five games (and four wins in their last eight), Girona have some breathing room, and a point from this game could make all the difference to their chances of survival.
team news
The main talk at Barça is about Rafinha, Marcus Rashford and the coach. hansi flick In Sunday’s pre-game press conference, both players gave us an update on their progress. “Rashford will not be available, even if he is much better,” said the German. “But Rafinha can play. He is a very important player for us. It’s not the first time I’ve said this. We’ve missed him in games where he hasn’t been with us because he increases the level and intensity of his play.”
long-term casualties Pedri, gabi and andreas christensen It certainly won’t be featured.
Flick spoke more broadly about the need to bounce back from this game and the cup defeat. “Girona are a well-organized team, brave and play well from the back. We have to be very intense… Losing on Thursday taught us a lesson, but life goes on. We have to accept defeat and be confident. We have a lot of quality to overcome it.”
Girona themselves have no shortage of injury concerns. goalkeeper Juan Carlos And Barça loan player ter stegen Both will be absent, as will the outfield players. Van de Beek, Portu, Ricard Artero and alex moreno. There are question marks regarding the suitability of Ounahi and Fran Beltran Also, the home team is far from giving their all for this match.