Madrid, Feb 17 || FC Barcelona surrendered top spot in La Liga after a 2-1 defeat to Girona which exposed the defensive fragility that has troubled Hansi Flick's side in recent weeks.
Pau Cubarsi's header put Barcelona ahead just before the hour, but Girona hit back almost immediately through Thomas Lemar before Fran Beltran's late strike sealed the comeback. The result leaves Real Madrid top of the table following Saturday's win over Real Sociedad.
If Flick was looking for signs of improvement after Thursday's 4-0 Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid, he did not find them in an open, chance-filled game in which both sides created plenty and neither managed to impose control.
The first half was played at a frantic pace. Raphinha dragged an early effort wide for Barcelona, while Lamine Yamal shot straight at Paulo Gazzaniga after breaking through on goal.
Girona responded with a series of dangerous moments down Barcelona's right, with Hugo Rincon's crosses causing problems. Viktor Tsygankov set up Vladislav Vanat for a good opening, but the striker failed to connect cleanly, and goalkeeper Joan Garcia then had to react sharply to keep out Vanat after another low delivery from Rincon.