When the student becomes the master, and the master becomes a bit of a show-off
Barcelona, fresh off the back of an international break, did what they do best: dominate. In a performance that was as sparkling as a freshly polished trophy, Barça dismantled Girona 4-1 at the Montilivi Stadium, showing just why they’re the only team in Spain still boasting a perfect record. If Girona thought they could pull a fast one like last season, they were sadly mistaken. Not today, Satan, not today.
Our tale begins with young Lamine Yamal, a teenager with more tricks up his sleeve than a magician at a children’s party. When Girona’s David López got a bit too casual, Yamal swooped in, nicked the ball like a seasoned pickpocket, and scored the opener. Before you could say “VAR check”, he doubled the lead with a delightful curler that had the Girona defence looking more like a group of spectators than actual players.
But let’s not get too carried away. Girona did manage to stir from their slumber in the dying minutes of the first half, reminding everyone they were still in the building. A close call with a handball saw VAR ride to Barça’s rescue, and a superb save from Marc-André ter Stegen kept the scoreline firmly in Barça’s favour. The halftime whistle blew, and it was clear: Barça was here to settle old scores.
As the second half kicked off, Barça wasted no time in extinguishing any Girona hopes of a comeback. Jules Kounde, channeling his inner Pirlo, sent a sublime pass to Dani Olmo, who scored from an angle so acute it defied the laws of physics. If Girona had any hopes left, they needed more than just a prayer at this point.
In true Barça fashion, they continued to toy with their rivals. The fourth goal was a thing of beauty, crafted by Marc Casadó’s vision and finished by Pedri’s calmness under pressure. By then, it felt less like a derby and more like an afternoon stroll for Hansi Flick’s men.
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, though. Ferran Torres added a splash of drama with a red card that was, shall we say, generously given. But even with ten men, Barça kept their cool, ensuring Girona’s consolation goal was just that—a consolation.
This match was more than just a win; it was a statement. A reminder to all of La Liga that Barcelona is not just back, they’re back with a vengeance. The kind of vengeance that makes you want to grab some popcorn and watch the fireworks.
Passionate culé from Spain with an encyclopedic knowledge of FC Barcelona. My blog posts are your one-stop shop for the latest Barça news, juicy gossip, and transfer rumors. Visca Barça!