Barcelona extend lead at top of La Liga as home team held in goalless stalemate against Girona
Barcelona missed their chance to go 15 points clear at the top of La Liga as they were held to a goalless draw against Girona at the Camp Nou.
Barca struggled to create chances in the first half and when they did could not beat Paulo Gazzaniga, who denied Raphinha and then Ronald Araujo in quick succession, the second save made when only a fraction of the ball had not crossed the line.
Girona wasted a great chance to take the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Taty Castellanos was played through on goal, but he shot wide as Viktor Tsyhankov was crying out for a square ball.
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The hosts pushed for a winner in the closing stages but were repelled, with David Lopez making one last-ditch tackle to deny Robert Lewandowski and frustrating the Pole again when he made a goal-saving clearance.
Gazzaniga made another good save in stoppage time after Gavi lost his marker, before Lewandowski was denied again.
A point takes Barcelona 13 clear of Real Madrid, while Catalan neighbours Girona stay 11th.
TALKING POINT – Barcelona fail to bounce back
Barcelona are romping to the title and dropping points here will not change that, but it does add to the sensation that this could be an underwhelming season. La Liga will not be won under any drama – barring a sensational collapse – so with Barca already out of European competition and the Copa del Rey, eyes are already turning to the summer. This was apparent even during the match, with more Lionel Messi chants when the clock struck 10 amid reports the Argentine could return when his contract at Paris Saint-Germian runs out.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona)
Gazzaniga was not particularly busy, but made a couple of impressive stops when called upon. Gazzaniga also swept well, allowing Girona to press when they desired, and was sure-handed from crosses.
PLAYER RATINGS
Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6, Koude 7, Araujo 7, Garcia 6, Balde 7, Busquets 6, Roberto 5, Gavi 6, Fati 5, Raphinha 6, Lewandowski 5. Subs: Kessie 6, Torres 5, Alba 6.
Girona: Gazzaniga 8, Martinez 7, Bueno 7, Lopez 6, Hernandez 6, Romeu 7, Tsygankov 7, Martin 6, Borja Garcia 5, Villa 6, Castellanos 5. Subs: Aleix Garcia 6, Stuani 5, Couto 6, Riquelme 7, Fernandez 6.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
GAZZANIGA TO THE RESCUE 37′ – Araujo flicks on a corner at the near post and is convinced the ball has crossed the line by the time Gazzaniga scoops clear. A lot of it had, but not all. No goal.
GREAT CHANCE FOR GIRONA 55′ – A defence-splitting pass sets Castellanos through. He has Tsygankov in support and ready to tap in if the ball is squared, but Castellanos goes for goal and misses. What a chance and what a selfish decision.
RUN, RIQUELME, RUN 74′ – The substitute takes on his man down the Girona left, crosses low and Araujo deflects it very narrowly wide. Nearly an own goal.
GAZZANIGA DENIES GAVI 90+5′ – Gazzaniga makes a super reflex save to deny Gavi, who lost his marker at the front post.
LEWANDOWSKI BACKHEEL COMES CLOSE 90+6′ – Araujo goes on a run down the right, crosses for Lewandowski and the Pole controls, delays then backheels at goal, but it’s deflected behind.
KEY STAT
Barcelona have kept 21 clean sheets in 28 La Liga games this season.
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