Girona vs Barcelona
On the back of a 4-0 Copa del Rey slapping at the hands of Atletico Madrid, La Liga leaders Barcelona take the short trip to Girona on Monday with the aim of staying top of the Primera Division.
Hansi Flick’s reigning champions really ‘threw one in’ at the Wanda Metropolitano, falling to a 4-0 deficit by the halftime break, as defensive midfielder Eric Garcia suffered a nightmare, setting Atleti on the way with an early own goal and then collecting a red card late in the second half.
On Monday, the Blaugrana meet Michel’s Girona who are without a win in three and are cut adrift from the European places, down in 12th. But they are not so far clear from the relegation zone to be comfortable, with just a four-point cushion.
Meanwhile, Barcelona comfortably beat Real Mallorca last week to stay top of the league and Flick’s men will be in no mood to leave Girona without a full three-point haul.
Talking Points
Girona must stand firm…
After a third-place finish in 2024, Girona stumbled through a relegation battle in 2024/25, eventually finishing in 16th spot and this season started slowly too. An improved set of La Liga 2026 results, with three wins to welcome in the New Year, over Real Mallorca, Osasuna and free-falling Espanyol, pulled Michel’s men away from the bottom three but they are not clear of the mire yet. A draw at home to Getafe, defeat away to Oviedo and then a 1-1 draw with Sevilla last week has taken the wind out of Girona’s sails and now the challenge is to avoid going backwards.
Los Gironistes were so close to a three-point grab in Seville, as Thomas Lemar’s early goal stood firm until Kike Salas scored a 92nd minute screamer to give the hosts a point. And the late loss of two points was not ideal for Girona with this next chance coming against the league champions and current leaders…at a time when the Blaugrana will be in a bad mood!
Girona have plenty off experience in their ranks, alongside Atletico Madrid loanee Thomas Lemar, Michel can call upon club captain and talisman Christhian Stuani, as well as veteran Ducth star Daley Blind, who has been a key player in a defensive role; and Blind will be important to the hosts on Monday as they try to hold off one of the best attacks in world football. Blind will get support from right back Hugo Rincon who is on loan from Athletic Bilbao.
I suspect the hosts would take a draw right now, but to do that they will probably need to score, and Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, with seven goals so far this season is the most likely.
…and Barca needs that steely focus
Sometimes a team can have a bad day at the office, but the way Barca capitulated in just 45 minutes against Atetico Madrid was quite shocking and, though Flick won’t let his team just brush that under the carpet, the message will be to look to the future…and don’t do that again!
Flick did shuffle his pack a little for the Copa match and I expect to see Robert Lewandowski and Marc Bernal to step back in while, at the back, centre half Ronald Araujo is back in contention and pushing for a start. Barca will be without Raphinha and Marcus Rashford is doubtful, but they have plenty of firepower with Lamine Yamal still lighting up the Camp Nou week after week.
The latest La Liga 2026 betting odds are still right behind the Blaugrana but the margin of error has narrowed as Real Madrid have made a recovery from their mid season slump, and Los Blancos face a resurgent Real Sociedad on Saturday. Should they win that match Real Madrid will go top; and then it’s over to Barca.
History
Barcelona have won 12 of their 17 clashes with Girona, losing three and drawing two. At the Estadi Montivili, the Blaugrana have won five and lost one, including a 4-1 win on Girona’s home turf in September 2024. Flick’s team followed that up with a 4-1 win on home soil and, this season, a last-gasp Ronald Araujo goal gave Barca a 2-1 home win.
Barcelona have won five and lost one of the last six games while Girona have won three, drawn two and lost one.
Betting Tip
With Girona priced at SBOTOP odds of 6.75 and the draw at 5.25 this could be a long night for the home fans and the price of the Blaugrana at 1.39 is hard to ignore. The hosts will put up a fight but I’m backing Barca to get back to winning ways.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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