Barcelona will be hoping to shake off back-to-back defeats when they return to La Liga action this Saturday, hosting Catalan rivals Girona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Hansi Flick’s men currently sit second in the La Liga standings, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while Girona find themselves down in 18th place, level on points with Real Oviedo as they continue their battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
Barcelona’s momentum took a big hit before the international break. They were handed a 4-1 defeat by Sevilla at the Estadio Ramón after previously falling 2-1 at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The pressure is now firmly on Flick and his players to get back on track. A win on Saturday would see Barça leapfrog Real Madrid — at least temporarily — and reclaim top spot in the league.
This fixture kicks off a key run of games for the Catalans, with two consecutive home matches against Girona and Olympiacos before their huge El Clásico trip to the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26. Several players from both sides are racing to be fit in time for that highly anticipated showdown.
Historically, Barcelona have dominated this matchup. They defeated Girona 4-1 in both league meetings last season, although Girona got the better of them twice during the 2023–24 campaign. In total, Barça have won seven of the 11 meetings between the two clubs, scoring 35 goals — an average of more than three per game against their Catalan neighbours.
Girona, on the other hand, head into this match with renewed confidence after a 2-1 victory over Valencia just before the international break — their first win of the 2025–26 season.
It hasn’t been the easiest of starts for Michel’s side, but things have started to look better in recent weeks. Girona are unbeaten in their last three matches and have lost only once in their last five outings in La Liga.
Their current record stands at one win, three draws, and four defeats from eight matches, earning them six points — the same tally as Real Oviedo just above them.
After a brilliant 2023–24 campaign, where Girona shocked everyone by finishing third, last season proved far more difficult as they slipped down to 16th place, surviving relegation by a single point.
Michel’s men will now aim to rediscover the energy and attacking form that made them one of Spain’s most entertaining teams not long ago. And with Barcelona struggling for form and dealing with injury concerns, Girona will sense a real opportunity to cause an upset in the Catalan capital.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Barcelona have received a welcome boost ahead of the weekend clash, with Lamine Yamal back in full training after shaking off a groin injury. The teenage sensation is expected to be part of the matchday squad, although manager Hansi Flick is likely to ease him back gradually rather than start him right away.
Fermin Lopez is also available again after his recent spell on the sidelines and could feature on Saturday. However, Barcelona remain without several key players — Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Joan Garcia are all still ruled out through injury.
To make matters worse, Ferran Torres will also miss the game due to muscular fatigue, which could open the door for 17-year-old Toni Fernandez to make his first senior start for the champions — a potential dream debut at the Estadi Olímpic.
New signing Roony Bardghji is expected to start, taking advantage of the team’s attacking shortages, while Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, is set to lead the line once again in the final third.
For Girona, manager Michel faces even more selection headaches. Alejandro Frances and Ivan Martin are both suspended, while Juan Carlos, David Lopez, and Donny van de Beek are sidelined through injury.
There are also doubts over Abel Ruiz, Viktor Tsygankov, and Azzedine Ounahi, who will undergo late fitness tests before the trip to Barcelona.
On a brighter note, Vladyslav Vanat who has scored twice in his first five appearances since joining the club — is expected to keep his place up front, leading Girona’s attack once again.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Bardghji, Fermin, Rashford; T Fernandez
Girona possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Reis, Blind, Martinez; Rincon, Solis, Witsel, Moreno; Roca, Vanat, Gil
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 2-1 Girona
