Barcelona lost the top spot in the Spanish league after their defeat to Girona (2-1) at the Montilivi Stadium. In this match, the team was unable to assert its dominance and it was marked by widespread refereeing controversy, which angered the coaching staff and players.

The match was characterized by fluctuations, with Barcelona taking the lead through Pau Cubarsi, before the home team quickly responded with a goal by Thomas Lemar. In the final minutes, Girona secured the winning goal through Fran Beltrán, amid strong protests from Barcelona players over a foul at the start of the play against Jules Koundé, a moment that neither the referee nor the video assistant referee intervened in.

The Catalan team also raised questions about the penalty missed by Lamine Yamal before the end of the first half, demanding it be retaken on the grounds that several Girona players entered the penalty area before the kick was taken.

After the final whistle, several Barcelona players approached the referee to express their protest, while coach Hansi Flick appeared angry about the refereeing decisions, without making any direct statements about them.

Despite the controversy, the match was not without clear technical errors from Barcelona, most notably losing control for long periods and failing to capitalize on available opportunities, which cost the team valuable points in the title race.

The Catalan team is required to quickly correct its course, especially with the decisive stages of the season approaching, amid the intensifying competition for the top of the Spanish league.