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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.
