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Injury-Ravaged Barcelona Hosts Struggling Girona in Crucial Catalan Derby
18 Oct
Summary
- Barcelona sits second in La Liga, two points behind leaders Real Madrid
- Girona is 18th in the table, desperately seeking points to avoid relegation
- Barcelona faces an injury crisis, with over 30% of their senior squad sidelined
On October 18, 2025, the Catalan derby returns to the spotlight in La Liga Matchday 9 as second-placed FC Barcelona hosts Girona FC at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Barcelona, two points behind leaders Real Madrid, faces a must-win situation to reclaim the top spot and build momentum ahead of a blockbuster El Clásico against Madrid on October 26.
Girona, under manager Míchel, sits 18th in the table and desperately needs points to escape the relegation zone after a dismal start to the 2025-26 season. Barcelona's injury woes have reached epidemic levels, with over 30% of their senior squad sidelined as El Clásico looms. The international break has exacerbated the problem, ruling out several stars for this derby and beyond.
Despite the injury crisis, Barcelona's home dominance and historical edge make them clear favorites. Girona's recent resilience suggests they'll score, but their defense may struggle to contain the Blaugrana's attacking threat, led by Marcus Rashford. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams fighting for crucial points in the La Liga table.
