Flick blames Barcelona mistakes after shock 2-1 loss to Girona

Hansi Flick refused to blame a controversial refereeing decision after Barcelona's 2-1 defeat at Girona, instead pointing to defensive mistakes. Pau Cubarsi had given Barca the lead with a headed finish from a Jules Kounde cross, but Thomas Lemar equalised almost immediately and Fran Beltran struck the winner in the 86th minute following a build-up Barca felt involved a foul on Kounde.

Girona finished with 10 men when Joel Roca was sent off in stoppage time. The result compounded a difficult week for Barcelona after a 4-0 Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid and left them two points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The match was characterised by lethargic attacking and costly errors, and Lamine Yamal also saw a first-half penalty crash off the post.

Flick singled out positioning and openness in midfield for criticism: "Our positioning, especially in midfield, wasn't good. We were too open. We need to calm down. We made a lot of mistakes.

Spain, Girona

barcelona, girona, hansi flick, la liga, pau cubarsi, jules kounde, thomas lemar, fran beltran, lamine yamal, real madrid