Girona shock Barcelona with 4-2 win to restore 1st place in LaLiga table

Girona have stunned the world by defeating Barcelona 4-2 in front of their home crowd, as their fairytale run in LaLiga continues. The absence of Marc Andre ter Stegen was felt strongly, as Inaki Peña was beaten four times in what was a crucial tie for the defending champions. 

A backline consisting of regular starters Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo and Andreas Christensen was not enough to keep the visitors quiet as they opened the scoring early in the game through Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk. But, Barcelona found themselves on level terms only seven minutes later, when Robert Lewandowski headed the ball into the back of the net. 

Girona produce yet another shocking result in Barcelona as their miraculous LaLiga run continues 

Before the break, Miguel Gutierrez beat Peña at his near post to restore Girona’s lead as they went into half time. Even after the break, they defended resolutely, as Barcelona had 31 shots but only got 11 on target with 9 blocked. 

Valery took only two minutes to get onto the scoresheet after coming off the bench, handing his side a two-goal lead as the home crowd were left stunned. And a dramatic ending followed, with Ilkay Gundogan giving Barcelona hope in the form of a second goal. 

But, Cristhian Stuani scored a fourth goal for Girona in the final minutes of the game to ensure that they left with all three points. 

Following the result, Girona sit at the top of the table with 41 points, two ahead of Real Madrid while Barcelona are fourth, seven points behind the table toppers. 

Although it is too early to bet on who wins LaLiga this season, one would be foolish to write off either Barca, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid at this stage. The real challenge will be for Girona to replicate this form for the next 20+ matchdays, if they are to produce a shocking result at the end of the season.