FC Barcelona suffered a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Girona FC on Monday night as the hosts staged a spirited comeback in a pulsating Catalan derby at the Montilivi Stadium.
The result denied Barcelona the chance to reclaim top spot in LaLiga, leaving Real Madrid at the summit of the table.
The reigning champions remain on 58 points, two adrift of their fierce rivals, and have now lost back-to-back matches in all competitions for the first time since October.
Barcelona began brightly and dominated large spells of the first half but were left frustrated after twice striking the woodwork.
Brazilian winger Raphinha rattled the post with a powerful effort before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal saw his penalty crash against the same upright in stoppage time.
The spot-kick was awarded after Dani Olmo was brought down inside the area, but the visitors failed to capitalise on the opportunity to take control.
After the break, Barcelona finally made their pressure count.
In the 59th minute, Pau Cubarsí rose highest to head home from close range after Jules Koundé delivered a teasing cross from a short corner routine, handing the visitors a deserved lead.
However, Girona responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Thomas Lemar levelled the contest, finishing from close range after a dangerous cross from Vladyslav Vanat caused confusion inside the Barcelona penalty area.
The hosts grew in confidence as the game opened up, roared on by a passionate home crowd.
With three minutes remaining, Fran Beltrán completed the turnaround, steering a composed finish past the goalkeeper after being picked out by Joel Roca.
The Montilivi erupted as Girona edged ahead in dramatic fashion.
Barcelona pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing moments, even gaining a numerical advantage when Roca was sent off in added time for a reckless challenge on Yamal.
Despite the late pressure, Girona held firm to secure a famous victory.
The defeat is a significant setback for Barcelona’s title ambitions, while Girona’s comeback win further intensifies the LaLiga title race with Real Madrid now firmly in control at the top.