Barca beaten 1-0 by Girona in Supercopa de Catalunya

A Cristhian Stuani penalty won it for Girona

Barcelona were beaten 1-0 by Girona in the Supercopa de Catalunya on Wednesday thanks to Cristhian Stuani’s second-half penalty.

Ernesto Valverde named a pretty interesting line-up and gave first-team debuts to Moussa Wague and Jean-Clair Todibo, while youngsters Riqui Puig, Juan Miranda and Alex Collado all started the game.

Barça XI
⚽ FC Barcelona v Girona
#SupercopaCAT pic.twitter.com/RhyzI063oX

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 6, 2019

Todibo started off in midfield and had some nice moments in the first half as he finally saw some action for the first time since November. He was also guilty of a few loose touches but that’s hardly surprising given his lack of competitive football.

Malcom came the closest to opening the scoring for Barcelona in a goalless first half with an effort that was saved by Gorka Iraizoz.

Oriol Busquets arrived at the break as a replacement for Samuel Umtiti, with Todibo dropping back into central defence alongside Jeison Murillo.

Malcom had another effort saved by Iraizoz early in the second half, while Carles Alena fired over the bar after quick counter-attack led by Puig.

Chumi then came on for Todibo, who enjoyed a decent debut, while Girona sent on key men Portu and Stuani.

It was Stuani who broke the deadlock from the penalty spot minutes after coming on after Collado fouled Yan Valery just inside the area. Up stepped the striker to beat Cillessen from the spot and put Girona 1-0 up.

Abel Ruiz arrived shortly afterwards as Barcelona searched for an equaliser, and they came within a whisker of finding one. Malcom’s cross in from the right was headed on to the crossbar by Alena.

Barcelona suffered a late injury scare as Puig was taken out by a poor challenge by Stuani, but fortunately the midfielder was able to continue and finished the match.

Valverde’s side pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, even sending up Cillessen for a corner, but couldn’t find a goal and it’s Girona who take the victory.

Source: barcablaugranes.com