In stoppage time, Ronald Araújo gives Barcelona the victory

Axel Witsel scores a stunning bicycle kick to equalize for Girona

Pedri opens the scoring for Barcelona with a masterful finish

The lineups

Catalan Derby Preview

This Saturday, Barcelona host Girona in a key LaLiga clash corresponding to Matchday 9 of the 2025-26 season. The game will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, kicking off at 4:15 p.m. local time in Spain.

For head coach Hansi Flick and his side, currently sitting second in the table with 19 points, the match is a crucial chance to bounce back after a recent defeat to Sevilla. Meanwhile, Girona find themselves in the relegation zone with only six points and will be desperate to pick up a result to climb out of the bottom of the standings.

Lineups and Tactical Outlook

Barcelona head into the match with several key absences due to injury. Among the missing players are Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, forcing the coaching staff to make adjustments across the attack and midfield.

Girona, on the other hand, also have injury and suspension concerns but arrive boosted by a recent win that has lifted team morale. The match is expected to feature a high tempo, open spaces, and goal-scoring opportunities for both sides — recent encounters between these two Catalan clubs have produced more than 2.5 goals on average.