Barcelona entered the match knowing only a win would suffice to preserve their league lead. They started dominantly, controlling possession (over 70% in the first half), but struggled to break down Girona initially. An early chance saw Robert Lewandowski denied by Girona's keeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, and a Ronald Araujo header forced a spectacular save.
The breakthrough came just before halftime under fortunate circumstances. A Lamine Yamal free-kick delivery led to Girona defender Ladislav Krejčí inadvertently turning the ball into his own net (43').
Girona stunned the hosts early in the second half. Capitalizing on a midfield turnover reportedly involving Lewandowski, Arnaut Danjuma raced clear and slotted past Szczęsny to level the score (53').
This setback spurred Barcelona, and particularly Lewandowski, into action. Just eight minutes later (61'), the Polish forward restored the lead with an impressive, acrobatic finish from close range after Girona failed to clear their lines effectively.
Lewandowski wasn't finished. In the 77th minute, Frenkie de Jong drove forward on a counter-attack before finding Lewandowski, who coolly dispatched the ball past Gazzaniga for his second of the match and Barcelona's third. Substitute Ferran Torres added a fourth goal late on (86'), sealing a convincing, albeit hard-fought, victory. The win solidified Barcelona's position and showcased Lewandowski's importance in the title run-in.