FC Barcelona dominated Girona FC 4-1 Sunday, taking the Catalan derby and the La Liga lead heading into yet another difficult week with the Copa del Rey semifinal 2nd leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and Real Betis Saturday.
Barca had a tough time breaking down Girona FC in the first half but finally broke through in the 43rd minute when a Lamine Yamal free kick resulted in an own goal off Ladislav Krejci.
Girona FC equalized through Arnaut Danjuma just after halftime before Robert Lewandowski continued his red-hot form with two goals in 16 minutes and Ferran Torres finished things off with an 86th minute goal.
In the midst of managing a 12-day run of 5 matches, Coach Hansi Flick rotated his squad with Gerard Martin, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi all handed places in the first XI. Ronald Aroujo, back from international duty with Uruguay, started at center back and Eric Garcia was shifted into midfield rest Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong did come on in the 66th and set up Lewandowski´s 2nd goal, while other 2nd half substitutions included Torres coming on in the 67th, Alex Balde in the 81st, and Pablos Torre in the 87th. Most importantly Pau Cubarsi returned from an ankle injury suffered on international duty with Spain and came on for Iñigo Martinez in the 81st.
After Real Madrid snuck by Leganes 3-2 Saturday night pulling even with Barca in the La Liga title race, the pressure was on and Barca responded emphatically. While it took 43 minutes to break through and Girona FC equalized, Barca dominated play, created several chances, and it was never truly in doubt they would handle the situation.
Pedri, as usual, was in complete control in midfield and next to him Garcia showed his versatility with a solid performance against his former team after starting at center back against Osasuna last Thursday.
Gavi and Fermin played very well, giving Flick more confidence to use them down the last stretch of the season, and Lamine was his typical dangerous self. However it was veteran Lewandowski who took Man of the Match honors with his two goals.
Raphina didn´t feature, which is good news as he´ll be rested for Wednesday´s Atletico match, and Barca will certainly take the next two days to rest the likes of Pedri, Lewandowski, Yamal, and de Jong as they enter the madness that is the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.