Girona hand Barcelona a Spanish Super Cup boost | OneFootball

High-flying Girona this evening handed an altogether unintended boost to Catalan rivals Barcelona.

As much came by way of the Blanquivermells’ endeavours in their latest La Liga outing.

Míchel’s troops marked their return to action a short time ago, welcoming Villarreal to the Estadi Montilivi as part of the midweek round of fixtures in Spain’s top-flight.

Girona headed into proceedings in the knowledge that nothing but a victory would suffice, after Barcelona’s downing of Real Sociedad on Monday saw the Blaugrana climb back clear of them into 2nd in the table.

When all was said and done, however, the Montilivi hosts failed to get the job done.

Despite dominating when it comes to possession and chances created alike, a solitary strike on the part of Bertrand Traoré just shy of the hour mark proved enough to condemn Girona to the wrong side of a 1-0 result.

The Blanquivermells now find themselves sitting a point adrift of the aforementioned Barca, despite having played a game more.

Xavi’s Blaugrana, as a result, look the clear favourites to clinch a 2nd-placed La Liga finish, and subsequent qualification for next year’s Supercopa de España.

Conor Laird | GSFN