Joan Garcia rejects Man of the Match tag after Girona defeat

Barcelona’s title defence hit a massive stumbling block on Monday as Hansi Flick’s side suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona. The result leaves the Blaugrana trailing arch-rivals Real Madrid in the race for the Liga crown. After shaking off the disappointment of Lamine Yamal's first-half penalty miss, Barcelona managed to take the lead on the hour mark when young defender Pau Cubarsi found the net.

The lead lasted just two minutes as Thomas Lemar struck to pull Girona level, and with less than five minutes left Fran Beltran struck the decisive blow. Despite a late red card for the home side, Girona were able to hold out for the win. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced a string of world-class saves but was furious at full-time, blasting his team's defensive frailties and the officials after the controversial winner was allowed to stand.

He rejected the praise for his individual performance, saying: "We are conceding way too many chances; we concede too easily." He added: "My many saves are not a good thing.

barcelona, girona, joan garcia, pau cubarsi, thomas lemar, fran beltran, lamine yamal, hansi flick, laliga, red card