Raphinha Returns As Barcelona Head to Girona in La Liga Title Test

Flick demands a reaction in La Liga showdown

FC Barcelona travel to Estadi Montilivi to face Girona in a crucial La Liga fixture that could see the Blaugrana reclaim first place. Sitting second after Real Madrid’s victory over Real Sociedad, Barcelona arrive off a Copa del Rey defeat to Atlético Madrid and need a response. Manager Hansi Flick has been blunt: “Against Atlético we didn’t have the right attitude to be competitive… I expect to see a reaction.” The squad completed a final training session on 16 February 2026 as Flick fine-tuned tactics ahead of gameweek 24.

Lineup reshuffle and Raphinha’s comeback

Flick has made several notable changes, both to freshen the side and to demand competitiveness. Raphinha returns from an injury that sidelined him for three games and goes straight into the left flank. He joins Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal in attack, a trio designed to add pace and unpredictability in the final third. Fermin López starts as the No.10 to link midfield and attack, while Frenkie de Jong pairs with Dani Olmo in midfield—Olmo replacing Marc Casadó after a difficult outing against Atlético.

On the bench, Marc Bernal waits for his opportunity. Flick’s willingness to rotate shows in other defensive tweaks: Gerard Martin takes over at left-back from Alejandro Balde, while Jules Koundé, Eric García and Pau Cubarsí form the rest of the backline. Joan Garcia keeps his place in goal. These choices underline Flick’s message that no spot is guaranteed and that form and attitude will decide selection.

Read – Girona vs Barcelona: Beltran stuns Barça as Yamal penalty crashes off post

La Liga implications and Girona’s test

A win would hand Barcelona the initiative in the title race and restore momentum after recent setbacks. Girona have been strong at Montilivi, where Michel’s side often make life difficult for visitors, so the clash promises to be a stern exam of Barça’s resilience. The match concludes gameweek 24 and could shape the run-in; supporters and pundits will be watching the Laliga standings closely.

Fans seeking where to watch Girona FC vs FC Barcelona will be glued to coverage as the fixture unfolds. For Barcelona, the attacking balance—Raphinha, Torres and Yamal backed by Fermin López and De Jong—will be key to breaking down Girona’s defence.

Bench, tactics and club depth tested

Flick’s decision to bench Marc Bernal and slot Dani Olmo in shows a readiness to reward recent form. Gerard Martin’s inclusion at left-back signals a change after Balde’s performance against Atlético. The trio of Koundé, García and Cubarsí must keep Girona’s attacking threats quiet if Barça are to leave with three points. The coach’s reshuffle tests Barcelona’s depth and tactical flexibility as the season tightens.

Wider club context: women’s team and youth fixtures

Barcelona’s momentum isn’t limited to the men’s side. FC Barcelona Femení beat SD Eibar 4-0 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on 15 February 2026, their 19th win of the season. Patri Guijarro reached the top five for all-time appearances for the women’s side at 27—another sign of the club’s consistency across squads. Meanwhile, lower-level scheduling was affected recently: the Castellón B vs Barça Atlètic match set for 14 February 2026 was postponed because of severe high winds in Castellón, a reminder of disruptions that can ripple through club preparations.

Read – Girona vs Barcelona: Beltran stuns Barça as Yamal penalty crashes off post

What to expect in the Barca game at Montilivi

Raphinha’s return adds width and directness on the left.
Lamine Yamal’s pace and Ferran Torres’ movement give Barcelona multiple routes to goal.
Fermin López must link midfield and attack while De Jong brings stability.
Defensive cohesion from Koundé, García and Cubarsí will be vital against Girona’s home intensity.

This clash is more than a derby. It’s a statement game for Barça as they push for the top of La Liga. With a reshaped lineup and a manager demanding attitude, Barcelona look to turn a Copa setback into momentum. Fans will be watching the laliga standings. And the Girona FC vs FC Barcelona lineups to see if Flick’s changes pay off.

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