Barcelona maintain La Liga lead with 4-1 win over Girona
Barcelona extended their winning run in La Liga with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Girona on Monday morning (AEST) at the Estadi Montilivi.
The visitors took the lead after 30 minutes through 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who made a clean finish after stealing the ball from defender David Lopez.
Yamal then doubled the lead seven minutes later, before Dani Olmo put the result beyond doubt soon after the interval.
With the goal, Olmo joined Cesc Fabregas and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the only players to have scored in each of their first three league games for the club this century.
Although Pedri scored a sublime goal midway through the second half, Barca couldn’t keep a clean sheet, as Girona found a consolation goal 10 minutes from stoppage time through Uruguayan striker Cristhian Stuani.
Victory over their Catalan rivals extended Barca’s win to five, ensuring they maintained their perfect start under new manager Hansi Flick.
Determined to reclaim the Liga crown from Real Madrid, Barcelona are top of the league with 15 points — four ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Barca have been dominant this season, with four of their players entangled in the race for the Golden Boot.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski leads the charge with four goals from five games, while Olmo, Yamal and Brazilian winger Raphinha follow closely with three goals apiece.
Flick was particularly impressed with Yamal’s performance against Girona.
“I’m very happy about Lamine’s two goals,” the Barca boss said.
“He’s very young but he’s really incredible, a difference-maker at such a young age.”
“Having him is key for us not only because of his quality, but he also presses very well high.
“He combines talent and pressure and that’s massive for us. He is outstanding.”
Flick also spoke of Thursday night’s Champions League match against AS Monaco.
“It won’t be easy against Monaco but we’re taking it one game at a time and we’re really excited, we’re all looking forward to it,” he said.
Online bookmakers are paying -135.14 for Barcelona to triumph at the Louis II Stadium, with the hosts at +336.
