Girona vs Barcelona: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 16 February 2026
The Catalan derby of La Liga’s 24th round for the 2025/26 season will take place on Monday, 16 February, at the Montilivi Stadium. League leaders Barcelona travel to face Girona, who, while not as dazzling as two seasons ago, remain a formidable threat on home turf.
Match preview
Girona, under Michel’s guidance, sit 12th in the table with 26 points. The team is going through a rough patch: the red-and-whites are winless in three straight matches, and their defense has looked shaky (37 goals conceded in 23 games). However, the hosts are bolstered by their Ukrainian duo – Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat, the latter being the team’s top scorer. Girona always play boldly at Montilivi, and recent history (two 4-2 wins two seasons ago) is a reminder that this club knows how to sting Barcelona.
The hosts are facing some selection issues ahead of the derby: Donny van de Beek, Portu, and Alex Moreno may all miss out due to injury, with Moreno’s absence in defense potentially a critical factor against the visitors’ pace. Still, Michel is adept at adapting to strong opponents, and Girona’s main hopes will rest on quick counterattacks and Tsygankov’s creativity. This is Girona’s chance not only to climb the table but also to reassert themselves as a tough nut for the giants, especially with Barcelona coming off an emotional dip following their cup defeat.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona remain atop La Liga with 58 points, just one clear of Real Madrid. The team approaches this match with mixed feelings: on one hand, they are in great league form; on the other, they suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to Atletico in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal earlier this week. Flick needs to rally his players quickly to avoid slipping up in the title race. The Blaugrana feature the league’s most potent attack (nearly three goals per game on average), with the Yamal-Lewandowski duo continuing to terrorize defenders.
Barcelona’s injury list is still lengthy: Gavi, Pedri, and Andreas Christensen are all ruled out, and Raphinha is a major doubt. On the plus side, Marcus Rashford is expected to return after missing the cup game with a minor knock. Barcelona have been strong away from home this season, winning eight matches on the road, and Flick will likely aim for an early goal to sap Girona’s confidence. Joan Garcia will again start in goal, and despite his bizarre error in the Copa del Rey, it’s crucial for him to rebuild his self-belief.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Girona have conceded in each of their last three matches.
- Five of Girona’s last five games have featured fewer than three goals.
- In eight of Barcelona’s last eight matches, there have been at least three goals scored.
- Barcelona have won seven of their last eleven La Liga meetings with Girona.
- The “Both teams to score – yes” bet has landed in four of the last five matches between these sides.
- In the first round (October 2025), Barcelona beat Girona 2-1.
Probable lineups
- Girona: Gazzaniga – Rincón, Reis, Blind, Martínez – Beltrán, Martín, Lemar – Tsygankov, Gil, Vanat
- Barcelona: Garcia J. – Koundé, Cubarsí, García E., Balde – de Jong, López, Olmo – Yamal, Rashford, Lewandowski
Prediction
I believe Barcelona will take the field highly motivated after their cup fiasco. The difference in class and squad depth allows the visitors to dictate terms, even with their midfield absences. Girona’s current defensive frailties mean it’s unlikely they’ll hold off the league leaders for the full 90 minutes. My prediction – Barcelona to win with an Asian handicap of (-1).
