Overview
Barcelona was stunned by Sevilla ahead of the October international break. They suffered a 1-4 defeat at Estadio Ramon, right after a 1-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
This result put coach Hansi Flick under pressure to get the team back on track for victory this weekend. A victory not only helped Barca relieve the pressure but also helped them temporarily overcome Real Madrid to take the lead in the La Liga rankings.
Barcelona will have 2 consecutive home matches against Girona and Olympiacos before traveling to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid on October 26. Both teams are working hard to help the pillars recover in time and prepare for the first El Clasico match of the 2025-2026 season.
Last season, the Blaugrana beat Girona 4-1 at home and away in La Liga 2024-2025. However, in reality, Girona won both of their confrontations between the two sides in the 2023-2024 season.
Historically, Barcelona have won 7 out of 11 meetings with Girona, scoring a total of 35 goals - an average of more than 3 goals per match against the same team from Catalania.
Girona entered the October international break with a 2-1 victory over Valencia. This is also their first win of the 2025-2026 season.
It is undeniable that coach Michel's team has had a difficult start to the season. However, they are gradually regaining stability when they are unbeaten in the last 3 matches and have only lost 1/5 of their recent matches in La Liga.
After 8 rounds, Girona has a record of 1 win, 3 draws and 4 losses, earning 6 points. They are temporarily 18th in the rankings, equal in points with Oviedo, who are immediately above in 17th place.
The 2023-2024 season was a miraculous journey for Girona when they finished in third place. However, in the following season, the Catalan team struggled to stay in the league and only ranked 16th, just one point above the relegation zone.
Michel is working to help the team improve their position on the rankings in the coming weeks. Girona will also aim to take advantage of Barcelona's injury situation to get positive results in this weekend's away trip.
Personnel situation
Lamine Yamal has returned to training after recovering from a groin injury and will be in the squad. However, the possibility of playing from the start is very low as Barcelona is still cautious with this teenage talent.
Fermin Lopez could also return from injury, while Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia are all definitely absent due to injury. Ferran Torres also had to miss the opportunity for Toni Fernandez to make his debut.
Roony Bardghji could start to add attacking power, while Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is likely to start.
On the Girona side, Alejandro Frances and Ivan Martin are absent due to suspension, while Juan Carlos, David Lopez and Donny van de Beek are definitely unable to play due to injury.
Late checks will be conducted on Abel Ruiz, Viktor Tsygankov and Azzedine Ounahi, as Girona are having more difficulties than Barcelona in terms of squad situation.
Vladyslav Vanat, who has scored twice in five appearances since joining the club, will be given a place in the visitors' attack.
Expected lineup:
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Cubarsi, E. Garcia, Balde, Pedri, De Jong, Bardghji, Fermin, Rashford, T. Fernandez.
Girona: Gazzaniga, Reis, Blind, Martinez, Rincon, Solis, Witsel, Moreno, Roca, Vanat, Gil.
The match between Barcelona and Girona takes place at 9:15 p.m. on October 18 (Vietnam time).
