Barcelona Faces Tough Test at Girona: A Battle for La Liga Supremacy
Barcelona travels to Estadi Montilivi on Monday, February 16, 2026, to face Girona in a crucial La Liga clash. Coming off a disappointing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Hansi Flick’s side is under pressure to regain their footing, especially with Real Madrid temporarily leading the league table.
Recent Form and Key Absences
Barcelona’s recent La Liga form has been strong (WWWWL), but the Copa del Rey exit has exposed vulnerabilities. Several key players are sidelined, including Gavi, Pedri, Marcus Rashford, and Andreas Christensen. Girona, currently 15th with 26 points, has shown improvement in 2026, boasting a record of three wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last six games. Notable Girona absences include Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, Portu, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Álex Moreno, with Azzedine Ounahi listed as doubtful.
Girona’s Rise and Tactical Shift
Girona is no longer the struggling side from earlier in the season. Manager Míchel has instilled a newfound resilience and tactical balance, making them a tricky opponent. Their performance in the reverse fixture at Montjuïc, where they pushed Barcelona to the limit before a late goal from Ronald Araujo, signaled their potential. Girona’s recent form suggests they won’t be intimidated by Barcelona’s star power.
The Pressure on Flick and Barcelona
The defeat against Atlético Madrid has drawn criticism, but Flick’s overall record – four trophies in 18 months and a deep Champions League run – offers some perspective. However, a slip-up against Girona could fuel further doubts and allow Real Madrid to extend their lead at the top of the table. This match is a test of Barcelona’s mental fortitude and ability to respond to adversity.
Lineups and Match Details
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Bernal; Yamal, Fermín, Ferran; Lewandowski
Girona (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Rincón, Reis, Blind, Arnau; Beltrán, Martín; Tsygankov, Lemar, Gil; Vanat
The match will be broadcast on ESPN2 (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), and SuperSport (Nigeria), with online streaming available via ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), and DAZN (Spain). The game kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT, 8pm GMT, 3pm ET, 12pm PT, and 1.30am IST (Tuesday).
A Must-Win for the Blaugrana
Despite Girona’s improved form, Barcelona remains the favorite. However, they must be prepared for a fierce battle and avoid complacency. A convincing victory would not only restore confidence but also send a strong message to their rivals. A scoreline of 3-1 in Barcelona’s favor is a reasonable expectation.
FAQ
Q: When and where is the Girona vs Barcelona match?
A: The match is on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Estadi Montilivi, Girona.
Q: Which TV channels will broadcast the game?
A: ESPN2 (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), and SuperSport (Nigeria) will broadcast the match.
Q: Who are the key players missing for Barcelona?
A: Gavi, Pedri, Marcus Rashford, and Andreas Christensen are all out injured.
Q: What is Girona’s recent form?
A: Girona has three wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last six games.
Did you recognize? Barcelona have won the last three games against Girona, and four of their last five visits to the Montilivi stadium in LaLiga.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on Girona’s attacking trio of Tsygankov, Lemar, and Gil. They pose a significant threat to Barcelona’s defense.
What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
