Barcelona make the short trip to Girona on Monday night looking to bounce back after enduring the worst defeat of the Hansi Flick era last time out against Atlético Madrid.
On a night where nothing went right, Barcelona deservedly fell 4–0 to a dominant Atléti, all but ending their Copa del Rey title defense. It’s a massive gut punch to Barça’s season, but the Catalans must overcome the adversity and respond to reclaim top spot in La Liga from Real Madrid.
Girona spent much of the first half of the season sitting in the relegation zone, but recent positive results have helped Michel’s side surge to 15th in the standings. Still, Girona are just two points clear of the drop zone, and taking something from Barcelona’s visit would be crucial in the tight relegation race.
Regardless of Girona’s ambitions, Flick’s Barça are obligated to return home with all three points. With almost a full week of rest ahead of them for the first time in 2026, Barcelona will be eager to return to winning ways with a convincing performance on Monday.
Injuries have ravaged Girona since the start of the term and the team now prepares to host Barcelona with a number of notable absences.
Barça loanee Marc-André ter Stegen tore his hamstring two games into his Girona career. He’ll join Donny van de Beek, Cristian Portu, Richard Artero and Álex Romero as notable injury casualties. Fran Beltran suffered a foot injury last time out and his status is uncertain for Barça’s visit.
Axel Witsel scored against Barcelona in the most recent meeting and could enter the XI to replace Beltran. Atlético Madrid loanee and former France international Thomas Lemar is also expected to get the nod in the No. 10 role.
Man City loanee Claudio Echeverri still hasn’t started a game for Girona since joining the club last month, but former Tottenham Hotspur man Bryan Gil will likely start on the left wing. At the back, Daley Blind will be tasked with organizing Girona’s defense.
Even after the thrashing Barcelona endured midweek against Atlético Madrid, wholesale changes to the XI aren’t expected, with Flick taking no risks and aiming for an emphatic response.
Injuries also play a role, with Pedri confirmed out. Marcus Rashford still hasn’t returned to training as he deals with a knee issue. Raphinha was back on the grass on Saturday, but it might be too soon to expect the Brazilian to start.
Dani Olmo is set to repeat on the left wing, with Fermín López through the middle. Marc Casadó struggled massively midweek and it’s likely fellow La Masia graduate Marc Bernal enters the lineup to partner Frenkie de Jong, adding some much needed physicallity to Barça’s midfield.
The rest of Barcelona’s lineup could remain unchanged from what Flick deployed at the Metropolitano.