Robert Lewandowski emerged as the star of the show as Barcelona reclaimed their three-point lead at the summit of La Liga with a commanding 4-1 victory over Girona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The Polish striker’s brace ensured Barcelona remained three goals ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the golden boot, while also helping Hansi Flick’s side respond to Saturday’s title pressure from their bitter rivals.
The Catalan giants, unbeaten in 20 matches this year, restored their advantage after second-placed Real Madrid leveled the points tally following their win over Leganes. The result leaves Barcelona firmly in pole position as they eye their first La Liga title since 2021, with a Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid looming on the horizon.
Lewandowski’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, netting twice to cement his status as Barcelona’s talismanic striker. The 36-year-old, who continues to defy expectations with his physical fitness and clinical finishing, maintained his three-goal lead in the race for the golden boot. His brace also marked a significant milestone in his prolific career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest strikers of all time.
The Polish forward, who has been vocal about his desire to continue playing at the highest level, expressed confidence in his ability to maintain peak performance. “I know a lot of people are talking about my age but… I want to play more years at the top level,” Lewandowski told DAZN. “I feel very good physically, I think looking at the stats there’s no difference now to a few years ago.”
Lewandowski’s first goal came after a scrappy first half where Barcelona struggled to break down Girona’s resilient defense. The breakthrough arrived in the dying moments of the first half when Ladislav Krejci’s own goal handed Barcelona the lead. Arnaut Danjuma quickly leveled the scores for Girona, but Lewandowski’s clinical finishing ensured Barcelona regained the initiative.
Hansi Flick, who has steadily transformed Barcelona’s fortunes since taking charge, demonstrated his tactical acumen by making calculated substitutions and adjustments. The German coach rotated his squad, mindful of upcoming fixtures, particularly the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Despite not firing on all cylinders in the first half, Barcelona controlled possession and created opportunities through the dynamic duo of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the energetic Fermin Lopez.
Paulo Gazzaniga, Girona’s goalkeeper, produced a string of impressive saves to keep Barcelona at bay. His reflex saves denied Lopez and Lewandowski, while also thwarting Yamal’s efforts. However, Barcelona’s persistence paid off when Krejci’s own goal gifted them the lead before halftime.
The second half saw Barcelona explode into life, with Lewandowski doubling his tally and Ferran Torres sealing the victory. Danjuma’s equalizer for Girona was swiftly canceled out by Lewandowski, who displayed his trademark poise and precision to slot home after a clever build-up involving Lopez. The Polish striker’s second goal was a testament to his adaptability and versatility in front of goal.
Ferran Torres capped off the rout with a clinical finish, ensuring Barcelona maintained their perfect record against Girona this season. The victory marked the 20th time this season that Barcelona have scored four or more goals in a match, highlighting their attacking prowess and depth.
Barcelona’s success was not solely down to Lewandowski’s brilliance. The team’s collective effort, guided by Flick’s tactical nous, ensured they dominated proceedings despite initial resistance from Girona. The Catalan side’s ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively was evident in their second-half performance, where they capitalized on their opponents’ fatigue and lack of defensive solidity.
Veteran striker Lewandowski credited the team’s patience and adherence to their tactical approach for their success. “We played with patience, we had a plan and if we play with that plan we can always score a lot of goals and win the game,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Flick, who praised his side’s ability to remain composed under pressure.
As Barcelona march towards their ultimate goal of securing the La Liga title, they must now refocus their attention on the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The upcoming fixture presents a stern test for Flick’s side, but their recent form and the confidence gained from Sunday’s victory bode well for their chances.
The Catalan giants have shown that they possess the firepower and resilience required to contend on multiple fronts. With Lewandowski leading the charge and Flick steering the ship, Barcelona appear poised to mount a serious challenge for domestic and European honors. The Olympic Stadium witnessed another masterclass from the Polish striker, who continues to rewrite the record books and inspire his teammates to greater heights.
In a league where every point counts, Barcelona’s victory over Girona was crucial in maintaining their slender lead at the top. As they prepare for the next chapter in their campaign, the Blaugrana remain determined to deliver silverware and silence their critics. The future looks bright for a team that refuses to rest on its laurels, and Barcelona fans can take heart knowing they have a team capable of delivering greatness.
