Girona beat Barcelona in each half to record a 4-2 victory in a six-goal thriller at Stadio Olimpico to establish their La Liga title credentials, first win over Barcelona in their league history and go two points clear of Real Madrid.

Girona have only failed to win three out of their 16 La Liga games played so far, losing just once to Real Madrid and the other two being draws. The visitors went into the game having won four of their last five matches, looking to call a major upset that would show their title challenge as a genuine one and not just a good run of form.

Girona struck first with Viktor Tsyhankov taking advantage of the Blaugrana’s high line to pounce onto Yan Couto’s through ball and play in Ukrainian compatriot Artem Dovbyk, who tapped in in the twelfth minute. Moments later, Raphinha swung in a corner for Robert Lewandowski to head home in the nineteenth minute.

After that, however, Girona had numerous chances to restore their advantage, and Miguel Gutiérrez did that before the break. Barcelona continued to dominate in the second half, but goals didn’t come until the final ten minutes of the match.

It was first Valery who put Girona 3-1 in the 80th minute while Gundogan scored two minutes into stoppage time while veteran striker, Christian Stuani confirmed the victory with a late goals for 4-2.

Girona tops the La Liga table with 41 points from 16 games, while Real Madrid is second with 39 points from 16 games. Barcelona are in a distant fourth with 34 points, seven away from the summit.

Up next for Barcelona is a trip to Belgium to face Antwerp in the last group stage game of the UEFA Champions League during the week before facing Valencia next weekend in La Liga. Girona’s next La Liga game is at home to Alaves next weekend.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu