Player ratings: Barcelona reclaim La Liga lead with 4-1 victory over Girona

‎Barcelona have successfully reclaimed their two-point lead atop La Liga, securing a resounding 4-1 victory over Girona. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona produced a clinical performance, highlighted by Robert Lewandowski’s brace and Lamine Yamal’s deflected free-kick.

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‎Barcelona player ratings vs Girona.

‎Getty Images

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‎The match began with Barcelona exerting pressure early on. They dominated the opening 10 minutes, testing Girona's defense with several attempts on goal. Fermin Lopez, who was involved in the action early, thought he had won a penalty after being fouled in the area. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, awarding Girona a free-kick instead.

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‎The first half saw Barcelona come close on numerous occasions. Ronald Araujo nearly opened the scoring with a header from a corner, but Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga made a remarkable save to deny him. Despite their efforts, Barcelona’s attack was frustrated by Girona’s resolute defense, and an offside call ruled out an opening goal from Jules Kounde.

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‎Barcelona’s breakthrough came with a stroke of luck. Lamine Yamal’s free-kick deflected off Girona’s Ladislav Krejci and flew beyond a helpless Gazzaniga to give Barcelona the lead. However, Girona responded quickly after halftime. Arnaut Danjuma equalized with a clinical finish after sprinting past Araujo, leveling the score at 1-1.

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‎Barcelona regained their lead when Lewandowski scored in acrobatic fashion, flicking Fermin Lopez’s header past Gazzaniga. Lewandowski completed his brace in the 77th minute, delivering a low finish into the corner. The final goal came from Ferran Torres, who marked his substitution with a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past a defender before finishing smartly.

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‎Player Ratings:

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‎Wojciech Szczesny (6/10): Conceded a stunning goal from Danjuma but had little to do otherwise.

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‎Jules Kounde (3/10): Scored but had his goal ruled out. Struggled defensively, being dribbled past multiple times.

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‎Ronald Araujo (6/10): Played a solid defensive role but was caught out on Danjuma’s goal.

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‎Inigo Martinez (5/10): Reliable in possession but lacked defensive dominance.

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‎Gerard Martin (6/10): Struggled to match the energy of his teammate Alejandro Balde, but contributed when going forward.

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‎Pedri (8/10): Continually impressive in midfield, showcasing his all-around brilliance.

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‎Eric Garcia (6/10): Contributed defensively but was caught out in transition.

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‎Gavi (5/10): Struggled to get involved, as Barcelona’s attacks flowed more down the right side.

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‎Lamine Yamal (8/10): Skillful and energetic, with a deflected free-kick to his name. Unfortunate not to score a second.

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‎Robert Lewandowski (9/10): The match's standout player, scoring a brilliant brace and showing his class as an elite striker.

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‎Fermin Lopez (8/10): Lively throughout, he was a constant threat despite being denied a penalty.

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‎Substitutes & Manager:

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‎Frenkie de Jong (7/10): Delivered a superb assist for Lewandowski’s second goal.

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‎Ferran Torres (7/10): Scored a fantastic goal after coming on as a substitute.

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‎Pau Cubarsi (N/A): Came on late in the match.

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‎Alejandro Balde (N/A): Added energy after replacing Eric Garcia, contributing to Barcelona’s attacking flow.

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‎Pablo Torre (N/A): Subbed on in the final stages.

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‎Hansi Flick (8/10): His tactical adjustments paid off as Barcelona dominated the match and reclaimed their position at the top of La Liga.

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‎With the 4-1 win, Barcelona continue to look formidable under Flick’s leadership, bolstering their chances of maintaining their position at the summit of La Liga. SA