Lamine Yamal misses a penalty as Barcelona Lose Catalan Derby to Girona

In a stunning La Liga showdown on 16 February 2026, Barcelona’s hopes for a return to the top of the table were crushed in the Catalan derby at Estadi Montilivi. The Blaugrana went into the match against Girona full of belief, but the game turned sour when Lamine Yamal missed a key penalty, his shot crashing off the post and staying out. 

That miss proved costly. Girona fought back and grabbed a late winner to secure a 2‑1 victory, leaving Barcelona trailing Real Madrid in the title race and sparking fresh debate among fans and pundits alike. 

Catalan Derby Match Breakdown: Girona 2‑1 Barcelona

Barcelona suffered a surprise 2‑1 loss to Girona in the Catalan derby on 16 February 2026 at Estadi Montilivi. The defeat stopped Barça from reclaiming top spot in La Liga 2025‑26 and kept Real Madrid ahead by two points following their weekend win. 

What Happened After Lamine Yamal’s Penalty Miss?

The key moment came just before halftime when Barcelona won a penalty, but Lamine Yamal’s spot kick struck the post and stayed out. Girona then seized momentum early in the second half.

• Barcelona took the lead in the 59th minute through a headed finish from Pau Cubarsí.
• Thomas Lemar equalised almost immediately in the 61st minute after connecting with a low cross. 
• Fran Beltrán scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, completing Girona’s comeback. 

Late drama saw Girona defender Joel Roca sent off in stoppage time for a challenge on Yamal, but it did not change the scoreline. 

Why Did Barcelona Struggle to Score?

Barça created several chances but lacked clinical finishing. Before the penalty miss, Yamal himself had an early opportunity that he fired wide inside the first six minutes. Multiple attempts hit the woodwork, including a Raphinha shot that rattled the crossbar. Barcelona have now missed three penalties this La Liga season, the joint‑most in the division, a worrying stat for a title contender. 

How Did Girona Capitalise After Going Behind?

Girona responded quickly and kept pressing after conceding. Their substitutes played a major role in turning the game around, as Beltrán’s late strike proved decisive. Joan Garcia, Girona’s goalkeeper, made several important saves, helping deny Barcelona further chances. 

How Did Key Players Perform?

Player ratings from multiple sources paint a picture of individual form:

• Lamine Yamal was rated around 5.0/10, reflecting a disappointing night despite involvement. 
• Joan García (Barça) performed solidly with several saves. (Sportsdunia)
• Girona’s attacking players, including Lemar and Beltrán, delivered in crucial moments. (Sportsdunia)

What Are the Table & Title Implications?

Barcelona’s defeat keeps them second in La Liga, trailing Real Madrid by two points as the title race tightens. A loss like this increases pressure on coach Hansi Flick’s side to maintain consistency in the run‑in to the season.

Technical Talking Points: Penalty Drama and Officiating

There is debate over whether Yamal’s penalty should have been retaken. Replays suggested a Girona player encroached before the kick and contested the rebound, which some analysts argue meets the criteria for a retake. This discussion about officiating and penalty law added to the post‑match controversy.

Conclusion

Barcelona’s 2‑1 loss to Girona was shaped by a pivotal moment: Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss. That miss not only denied Barça a halftime lead but also shifted momentum towards Girona, whose late winner sealed a surprise result and left Barcelona trailing in the La Liga title race. The game highlighted Barcelona’s finishing issues and sparked debate over match decisions. Fans and pundits will watch closely how the team recovers in upcoming fixtures.

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