Madrid, Feb 17 (NationPress) FC Barcelona relinquished their position at the apex of La Liga following a 2-1 loss to Girona, which highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Hansi Flick's squad in recent times.

Pau Cubarsi's header gave Barcelona the lead just before the hour mark, but Girona equalized almost instantly through Thomas Lemar, and Fran Beltran's late goal completed the comeback. This outcome places Real Madrid at the top of the standings after their victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

If Flick sought evidence of progress after Thursday's disheartening 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico Madrid, he was left disappointed in a match filled with opportunities where neither team could assert dominance.

The first half unfolded at a breakneck speed. Raphinha missed an early chance for Barcelona, while Lamine Yamal shot directly at Paulo Gazzaniga after a promising run towards goal.

In response, Girona created several threatening moments, with Hugo Rincon's crosses causing issues. Viktor Tsygankov set up Vladislav Vanat for a solid chance, but the striker couldn't make proper contact, leading to goalkeeper Joan Garcia making a crucial save against Vanat after another low cross from Rincon.

Barcelona came close in the 43rd minute when Raphinha hit the post while trying to slide the ball past Gazzaniga. The best opportunity came in first-half stoppage time when Daley Blind fouled Dani Olmo, conceding a penalty. Yamal took the shot, deceiving Gazzaniga, but also struck the post, allowing Girona to escape unscathed.

The second half continued in a similar fashion. Girona's Bryan Gil surged forward but was quickly surrounded, until Cubarsi finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a header from Jules Kounde's cross.

Barcelona's lead was short-lived as just three minutes later, Joel Roca delivered a low cross into the area, and Lemar found the space to equalize after Barcelona failed to clear.

Girona nearly took the lead, but Garcia made two outstanding saves—first denying Roca and then thwarting Vanat's follow-up—as the match swung back and forth. Yamal shot narrowly wide at the opposite end, but Girona’s persistence bore fruit in the 86th minute when Beltran scored from the edge of the area, despite Barcelona's protests for a foul on Kounde during the buildup.

Roca was sent off late in stoppage time for a challenge on Yamal, but this did little to dampen Girona's celebrations after a victory that distances them from relegation concerns.