Barcelona Faces Tough Test at Girona Following Copa del Rey Setback

Girona FC will host FC Barcelona at the Estadi Montilivi on Monday, February 16, 2026, in a La Liga match with significant implications for both sides. Barcelona enters the match following a disappointing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, while Girona has shown marked improvement in recent weeks, moving further away from the relegation zone.

Match Details

• Competition: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 24
• Date/Time: Monday, February 16, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Tuesday)
• Venue: Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
• Referee: César Soto Grado
• VAR: David Gálvez Rascón

Team Formations and Absences

Barcelona will be without several key players, including Gavi, Pedri, Marcus Rashford, and Andreas Christensen due to injury. Girona will be missing Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, Portu, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Álex Moreno, with Azzedine Ounahi listed as doubtful.

Barcelona Form Guide: WWWWL

Girona Form Guide: WWDLD

Barcelona’s Recent Struggles and Real Madrid’s Ascent

The defeat against Atlético Madrid was a setback for Barcelona, but they have an opportunity to quickly regain momentum in La Liga. The weekend likewise saw Real Madrid temporarily take the lead in the league standings after a victory over Real Sociedad, adding pressure on Barcelona to secure a win.

Girona’s Resurgence

Girona has demonstrated significant improvement in 2026, with three wins, two draws, and only one defeat in their last six games. This form has lifted them away from the immediate threat of relegation. Their earlier match against Barcelona at Montjuïc was closely contested, with a late goal from Ronald Araujo securing a narrow victory for the Blaugrana.

Tactical Outlook

Girona is expected to provide a challenging test for Barcelona, potentially mirroring Atlético Madrid’s aggressive approach. Barcelona will need to demonstrate mental fortitude and learn from their recent defeat. A victory for Barcelona is considered crucial to reaffirm their title aspirations.

Where to Watch

• USA: ESPN2, ESPN+
• UK: Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports Player
• Nigeria: SuperSport
• India: FanCode
• Spain: DAZN

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Bernal; Yamal, Fermín, Ferran; Lewandowski

Girona (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Rincón, Reis, Blind, Arnau; Beltrán, Martín; Tsygankov, Lemar, Gil; Vanat