What a start to proceedings at Montilivi. Barcelona opened the scoring inside the opening three minutes, but straight from kick-off, Girona have managed to find an immediate equaliser.
It was Andreas Christensen that scored the opener for the visitors. Lamine Yamal chipped the ball into his direction, and a first-time volley flew underneath Paulo Gazzaniga to give Barcelona the dream start.
Andreas Christensen with a strike Robert Lewandowski would have been proud of
Barca lead in the blink of an eye!#GironaBarça pic.twitter.com/RgzOI8a5cF
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) May 4, 2024
Assist Yamal banger de Christensen pic.twitter.com/olng1y4RGI
— Loguito Fcb (@Loguito6) May 4, 2024
However, that dream turned to a nightmare less than 60 seconds later as Girona got an equaliser. Ivan Martin was played in behind, and his cross was headed home by Artem Dovbyk, who adds his 20th goal in La Liga in his bid to win the Pichichi Trophy in his debut season.
It took Girona just 70 seconds to reply to Barcelona's opener 😲
The Catalan Derby is off to a flier!#GironaBarça pic.twitter.com/qGbV7dYrdv
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) May 4, 2024
Dovbyk equalizer 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/kEmbIIB1dj
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) May 4, 2024
What a remarkable start to the match, and it sums up Barcelona’s season that they have conceded immediately after going ahead. It’s a terrible goal to concede from their perspective after a fine strike from Christensen, although it was brilliant striking instincts from Dovbyk, who has been incredible this season.