Barcelona continue marching clear with win over Girona
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona won its eighth straight Spanish league game as Lionel Messi scored in a 2-0 win at 10-man Girona on Sunday.
Barcelona kept its five-point lead over Atletico Madrid with Messi grabbing his 10th goal in a seven-game scoring streak in the league. He was left all alone to chip the ball over goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 69th minute.
The Spanish league had originally wanted to play the match in the United States, but the plan fell through. Instead of traveling 7,500 kilometers (4,600 miles) to Miami, Barcelona went 100 kilometers (60 miles) to Girona's Montilivi Stadium.
Right back Nelson Semedo gave Barcelona the ninth-minute lead when a loose ball fell to him in the area, and he used his left leg to rifle it inside the post. It was only his second goal in his second season with the Catalan club.
But Girona stifled Barcelona's attack and threatened to equalize on several occasions through striker Cristian Stuani.
Stuani's best chance came late in the first half when Marc-Andre ter Stegen got low to block his shot. Teammate Pere Pons came close to finishing off the rebound, only for Gerard Pique to clear his shot from the line.
The hosts lost defender Bernardo Espinosa to a second yellow card in the 52nd after he fouled Luis Suarez. But Girona still gave Barcelona trouble until coach Ernesto Valverde sent on Arthur for Arturo Vidal.
With Arthur helping in the midfield, Barcelona took control. Suarez then played Jordi Alba clear down the left, where the defender found Messi at the top of the box with only Bounou to beat.
Messi's goal was his competition-leading 19th of the season.
Messi was back in Barcelona's starting 11 after getting some rest in the previous two matches. He scored as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Leganes last weekend, and then was left off the squad in a 2-0 loss at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona hosts Sevilla in the return leg of their cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.
What time does it start?
Girona vs Barcelona kicks off at 3:15pm (GMT) on Sunday 27th January.
Where can I watch it?
Girona vs Barcelona will be shown live on Eleven Sports 1 from 3:10pm (GMT).
Highlights will be on the Eleven Sports website after the match.
Player to watch…
Ivan Rakitic: The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s midfield all season. The playmaker has only scored twice in the league, but his creativity has been integral to Barcelona’s impressive record. He may play alongside new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng in midfield.
Form guide…
Girona: DDDDLL
Barcelona: WLWWWL
Odds…
Girona to win: 7/1
Barcelona to win: 33/100
Draw: 17/4
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
75 minutes
It's been a frustrating day for Suarez. Rakitic picks him out with an excellent pass, but the Uruguayan, aiming for the top corner, gets his shot all wrong.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
77 minutes
Rakitic plays the ball to the back post for Coutinho, whose header is blocked. It drops to Suarez, who picks out Messi in space. From close range, another goal seems inevitable, but Bono denies the Argentine.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
78 minutes
Bono is called into action again, parrying away a powerful striker from Rakitic. Barcelona are completely dominant now.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
78 minutes
Thomas Vermaelen replaces Clement Lenglet to see out the remainder of the game.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
80 minutes
Now Girona make a change: Lozano is on for Portu.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
82 minutes
Busquets is off for Sergi Roberto.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
85 minutes
This game is petering out now. Girona, who have made this far more difficult for Barcelona than the scoreline might suggest, will be hoping to get through the final minutes without conceding again.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
86 minutes
The hosts make their final change: Paik is on for Granell.
Girona 0-2 Barcelona
90 minutes
Three more minutes of added time for Girona to endure.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments