Ten-man Barca drops points against Girona
Cristhian Stuani struck twice at Camp Nou as Girona battled to a deserved 2-2 draw away to Barcelona, which saw its perfect LaLiga record end after Clement Lenglet's first-half red card.
Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead in the 19th minute and the Spanish champion looked set to collect a fifth straight league win before Lenglet was deservedly dismissed on his first league appearance for Barca after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Stuani levelled with a fantastic finish before half-time and five minutes after the restart the striker was on target again to give Girona hope of recording a famous victory.
But Gerard Pique rose highest in the penalty area to head home and salvage a draw for Barcelona, which moved back above rival Real Madrid into top spot despite dropping its first points of 2018/2019.
Girona created the first clear chance in the fifth minute but Bernardo Espinosa headed an Aday Benitez corner into the arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Bono brilliantly denied Messi at the end of a dazzling solo run but he could do nothing about the Barca captain's opener, a fantastic first-time finish from 14 yards out after Arturo Vidal's fine work.
Barca was reduced to 10 men when Lenglet saw red after a VAR review, the defender having caught Pere Pons with his elbow, and Girona quickly made its man advantage count.
Benitez raided down the right wing and fed Stuani, who turned away from Pique and makeshift partner Sergio Busquets to slot a neat finish past Ter Stegen.
Stuani put Girona into a shock lead in the 51st minute, slamming home a rebound after Ter Stegen had saved well from Portu.
Messi clipped the crossbar with a 30-yard free-kick before Pique drew Barca level with a clever header that set up a thrilling finale during which Barca was unable to break Girona's resistance.
A midweek round of LaLiga games sees Barcelona travel to Leganes and Girona hosts Real Betis.
