Yamal bags brace as Barca take Girona revenge

 Hansi Flick's Barcelona have maintained their perfect start to the season, winning all five of their opening matches and avenging last season's double defeat against Girona with a commanding victory at Montilivi.

Lamine Yamal's first-half brace set the tone for the win, with Dani Olmo and Pedri Gonzalez adding second-half goals to seal the emphatic result. Girona, who finished third last season in a remarkable campaign, managed a late consolation goal through Cristhian Stuani.

Girona, weakened after losing key players over the summer, saw coach Michel Sanchez forced to rebuild. Meanwhile, Barcelona, rejuvenated under former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Flick, delivered their best performance of the season so far.

Yamal and Robert Lewandowski came close early on before the teenage sensation, fresh off leading Spain to Euro 2024 victory, opened the scoring. The young winger intercepted David Lopez as he tried to clear the ball and slotted home with ease after 30 minutes. Yamal netted his second just before halftime, a well-placed shot from the edge of the box after a free-kick was cleared into his path.

Girona had a chance to cut the deficit when Bryan Gil's shot was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and they were awarded a penalty for Inigo Martinez's handball. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that the ball had deflected off Alejandro Balde's arm.

Dani Olmo added Barcelona's third early in the second half, finishing from a tight angle, marking his third goal in as many La Liga games since joining from RB Leipzig. Pedri then made it 4-0, calmly rounding Paulo Gazzaniga after a clever pass from Marc Casado.

Stuani gave Girona a consolation with 10 minutes to go, scoring from close range, before Barcelona's Ferran Torres was sent off for a high tackle on Yaser Asprilla. Despite the red card, Barcelona's dominant display ensured they kept their perfect start intact.

On Saturday, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad to move into second place, four points behind Barcelona. Later on Sunday, Atletico Madrid host Valencia and Athletic Bilbao face Las Palmas.