Barcelona is gearing up to face off against Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday, seeking to rebound from their first La Liga defeat of the season. The team, led by Hansi Flick, had been performing exceptionally well at the top of the table before their unbeaten streak was halted in Seville. Prior to the international break, Barcelona suffered a 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, having won five out of six games.

This loss allowed Real Madrid to reclaim the top spot in the league standings, leaving Barcelona two points behind. Flick’s side will be looking to deliver a strong performance despite being plagued by injuries. In a positive turn of events, teenager Lamine Jamal and Fermin Lopez are set to rejoin the squad for the match, although their playing time is likely to be limited.

Girona, currently 18th in the league, has also shown signs of improvement after a challenging start to the season, securing only one win in their eight league outings. Recent encounters between the two teams have been closely contested, with both sides claiming two victories and one draw in their last five La Liga meetings.

Barcelona’s upcoming match against Girona presents an opportunity for the team to regain momentum and close the gap with Real Madrid. With several key players returning to the squad, Flick will be expecting a strong showing from his team. The match is also significant for Girona, as a win could help the team climb out of the relegation zone and build on their recent progress.

The Catalan derby is expected to be a highly competitive encounter, given the history between the two teams. Barcelona will be looking to assert their dominance and bounce back from their recent defeat, while Girona will be seeking to cause an upset and continue their resurgence. The outcome of the match will have significant implications for the league standings, making it a crucial fixture for both teams.