Girona vs Barcelona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Monday, 16 February

Girona will host Barcelona at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on Monday, 16 February, in a highly anticipated LaLiga clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they compete for vital points in the league standings. Barcelona, a perennial powerhouse in Spanish football, will be looking to secure a victory to maintain their position at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Girona aim to make the most of their home advantage to upset the visitors and climb the standings.

The Estadi Municipal de Montilivi provides a unique atmosphere that could play a pivotal role in this encounter. Girona’s recent home form has been solid, and they will be eager to continue that trend against a formidable Barcelona side. On the other hand, Barcelona’s away performances have been impressive, making this match a fascinating contest for fans and bettors alike. These betting tips will break down the key factors that could influence the outcome of this exciting LaLiga fixture.

Girona vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Barcelona -1.50 in 1st half (Asian Handicap)	3.7

Given Barcelona’s consistent ability to start matches strongly and Girona’s defensive vulnerabilities, our recommended betting tip is Barcelona -1.5 in the first half. Barcelona’s early dominance in games, combined with Girona’s tendency to concede early, supports this prediction.

• Barcelona have a history of scoring early, particularly in the first 15 minutes of matches.
• Girona’s defensive struggles in the opening stages make them susceptible to early goals.
• Barcelona’s superior attacking quality and tactical control often lead to early leads.

Betting Odds

Barcelona head into this LaLiga clash as strong favourites, with the betting odds heavily in their favour. Girona, playing at home, are seen as underdogs, but their odds might tempt those looking for an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Girona to win	6.73
Draw	5.5
Barcelona to win	1.37

For those looking to bet on this match, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth a punt, given Barcelona’s attacking prowess. Additionally, the odds for both teams to score might offer some value, considering Girona’s potential to surprise on their home turf.

Girona Analysis & Past Performance

Girona’s recent form has seen them pick up two wins, two draws, and a single loss in their last five LaLiga encounters. Among these results, key performances include a 2-0 victory against Espanyol and a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Sevilla, highlighting their ability to perform resiliently in challenging away fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Sevilla	Girona	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	8 Feb 2026
Real Oviedo	Girona	1 – 0 (Loss)	LaLiga	31 Jan 2026
Girona	Getafe	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	26 Jan 2026
Espanyol	Girona	0 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	16 Jan 2026
Girona	Osasuna	1 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DLDWW

Currently sitting 14th in LaLiga with 26 points, Girona’s overall performance has been commendable, especially defensively. They have conceded an average of just 0.60 goals per game over their last five matches, achieving two clean sheets during this period. Offensively, they average 1.00 goal per match, with Vladyslav Vanat leading their attack with seven goals this season. Their home form mirrors their general performance, with two wins, two draws, and a single loss in their last five home fixtures, demonstrating a balanced approach at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.

Girona Suspensions & Injuries

Girona face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Barcelona. Notably, the absence of Juan Carlos, who is dealing with a cruciate ligament injury, leaves a gap in goalkeeping options, although Paulo Gazzaniga remains a strong presence. The midfield will miss the creativity of Donny van de Beek, also out with a cruciate ligament issue, and the energy of Fran Beltrán, who is sidelined with a foot injury until late February.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ricard Artero	Broken ankle	Unknown
Juan Carlos	Cruciate ligament injury	Early March 2026
Donny van de Beek	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Portu	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Marc-André ter Stegen	Hamstring Injury	Early April 2026
Álex Moreno	Calf Injury	Early March 2026
Fran Beltrán	Foot injury	Late February 2026

In defence, Álex Moreno’s calf injury is a concern, limiting Girona’s options for full-back positions. His absence necessitates tactical adjustments, potentially requiring Arnau Martínez to adopt a more conservative role to cover defensive frailties. Similarly, Ricard Artero’s broken ankle further strains the squad’s depth, particularly in maintaining a solid defensive block.

The absence of Portu for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury removes a dynamic attacking option, forcing Girona to rely heavily on Vladyslav Vanat and Bryan Gil for offensive creativity. This could impact their ability to penetrate Barcelona’s defensive lines, making tactical flexibility crucial for coach Míchel.

With these injuries, Girona’s depth is tested, and their ability to adapt will be vital. The betting markets may reflect this strain, potentially favouring Barcelona given Girona’s reduced squad strength and tactical limitations.

Girona Key Players

Vladyslav Vanat is Girona’s top scorer this season, having found the back of the net seven times. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. Vanat’s ability to exploit spaces and his clinical nature in front of goal will be crucial for Girona’s attacking efforts against Barcelona.

In midfield, Viktor Tsygankov and Thomas Lemar stand out as key players for Girona. Tsygankov, known for his playmaking abilities, will be pivotal in orchestrating attacks and setting the tempo of the game. Lemar’s experience and versatility add depth to Girona’s midfield, making him a vital component in both defensive and offensive transitions. At the back, Daley Blind’s leadership and positional awareness are essential for maintaining defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Girona:

• Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
• Defence: Hugo Rincón, Vítor Reis, Daley Blind, Arnau Martínez
• Midfield: Iván Martín, Joel Roca, Viktor Tsygankov, Thomas Lemar, Bryan Gil
• Forward: Vladyslav Vanat

Girona’s tactical approach is likely to revolve around a balanced mix of solid defence and quick counter-attacks. The presence of Vanat up front, supported by Tsygankov’s creativity, provides a potent attacking threat. Meanwhile, Blind’s defensive acumen ensures a strong backbone, which could be decisive in this challenging fixture.

Girona Tactics and Formation

Girona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vladyslav Vanat
• Midfield Pivot: Iván Martín and Joel Roca
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting wide areas.

Girona’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Míchel is designed to maintain a balanced approach, combining defensive solidity with offensive creativity. The midfield pairing of Iván Martín and Joel Roca provides a blend of defensive coverage and ball progression, crucial in dictating the tempo and distributing play across the pitch.

Vladyslav Vanat, Girona’s top scorer, leads the attack, supported by creative outlets like Viktor Tsygankov and Bryan Gil on the flanks. This setup allows Girona to exploit wide areas effectively, aiming to stretch opposition defences and create scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the quartet of Hugo Rincón, Vítor Reis, Daley Blind, and Arnau Martínez has been pivotal, contributing to two clean sheets in their last five matches. This defensive stability is key to Girona’s ability to withstand pressure and launch counter-attacks efficiently.

Barcelona Analysis & Past Performance

Barcelona’s recent form has been largely impressive, with the team winning four out of their last five matches across all competitions. Notably, they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, which highlights a potential vulnerability in high-stakes away games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Atlético Madrid	Barcelona	4 – 0 (Loss)	Copa del Rey	12 Feb 2026
Barcelona	Mallorca	3 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	7 Feb 2026
Albacete	Barcelona	1 – 2 (Win)	Copa del Rey	3 Feb 2026
Elche	Barcelona	1 – 3 (Win)	LaLiga	31 Jan 2026
Barcelona	FC Copenhagen	4 – 1 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Barcelona’s attacking prowess remains formidable, averaging 2.40 goals per game over their last five matches. Despite a solid attack, their defence has shown some frailties, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per match and keeping only one clean sheet in this period. Away from home, they have managed to secure three wins out of five, indicating a strong but not invincible away record.

Currently sitting at the top of LaLiga with 58 points, Barcelona’s overall season statistics are impressive, boasting a win ratio of 83% and scoring in every match this season. Ferran Torres continues to be a key player, leading as the top scorer with 12 goals, contributing significantly to their attacking dynamics. However, defensive consistency remains a concern, particularly in maintaining clean sheets, which could be pivotal against Girona.

• LWWWW

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

With key players like Gavi, Pedri, and Raphinha sidelined due to injuries, Barcelona’s midfield creativity and attacking depth are significantly impacted. Gavi and Pedri, both suffering from injuries expected to keep them out until late February, are crucial for maintaining possession and dictating the tempo in midfield. Raphinha’s absence further diminishes the attacking options on the wings, which could see the team rely more on Lamine Yamal to fill that creative void.

Andreas Christensen’s long-term cruciate ligament injury leaves a gap in Barcelona’s defensive line. His absence could force Jules Koundé to take on more responsibility alongside Eric García, who remains a constant in the back four. The lack of Christensen’s experience might make Barcelona more vulnerable to set-pieces and aerial threats.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Gavi	Meniscus injury	Late February 2026
Landry Farré	Knee injury	Doubtful
Andreas Christensen	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown
Pedri	Hamstring Injury	Late February 2026
Raphinha	Thigh injury	Late February 2026
Dani Rodríguez	Ligament injury	Mid May 2026
Marcus Rashford	Knee injury	About 1-2 weeks

Marcus Rashford’s return is anticipated soon, but his current knee injury means Barcelona may need to adjust their attacking strategies, potentially relying more on Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal for goals. With Dani Olmo stepping into the midfield, Barcelona’s tactical setup may shift slightly to accommodate these changes, emphasising a more direct style of play.

The betting implications of these absences could see a tilt in favour of Girona, especially if Barcelona’s weakened squad struggle to maintain their usual level of performance. The lack of depth and experience due to these injuries might affect Barcelona’s ability to control the match, making it a potentially tighter contest than expected.

Barcelona Key Players

Barcelona’s attack is spearheaded by Ferran Torres, who stands as the top scorer with 12 goals this season. His positioning and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third, capable of changing the game’s dynamics with a moment of brilliance. Alongside him, Robert Lewandowski’s experience and physical presence in the forward line are pivotal, offering both goals and leadership on the pitch.

In midfield, Dani Olmo is expected to play a crucial role as a playmaker. His vision and ability to link defence with attack will be essential in breaking down Girona’s defensive lines. Defensively, Jules Koundé’s versatility and defensive prowess provide stability, making him a key figure in thwarting opposition attacks. Alejandro Balde’s pace down the left flank could also prove advantageous in both defensive recoveries and offensive surges.

Barcelona’s tactical approach will heavily rely on these key players to maintain possession and exploit spaces. The combination of Torres’ goal-scoring ability and Olmo’s creative input is expected to be the fulcrum of their attacking strategy.

Expected lineup for Barcelona:

• Goalkeeper: Joan García
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo
• Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Barcelona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Pivot: Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and dynamic wing attacks.

Barcelona’s 4-3-3 formation under Hans-Dieter Flick allows for fluid attacking play and high possession, with Fermín López, Marc Casadó, and Dani Olmo forming a balanced midfield trio. This setup supports both defensive stability and offensive creativity, crucial for maintaining their league-leading form.

Defensively, Barcelona’s backline, featuring Jules Koundé and Eric García, has been effective, contributing to three clean sheets in their last five matches. Alejandro Balde’s pace on the left provides additional defensive cover and attacking support.

Offensively, Barcelona rely on Robert Lewandowski’s clinical finishing and Marcus Rashford’s pace on the wings. Their strategy of maintaining high possession and leveraging dynamic wing play has been central to their success, averaging 2.4 goals per game in recent matches.

Girona vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Record

In their last 15 head-to-head meetings, Barcelona have dominated Girona with 10 wins, while Girona have managed three victories, and they’ve drawn twice. The most recent encounter saw Barcelona edge out Girona 2-1 in LaLiga back in October 2025.

The last time Girona hosted Barcelona at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi was in September 2024, where Barcelona secured a convincing 4-1 victory. Girona’s home win against Barcelona came in May 2024, with a surprising 4-2 result. Despite Girona’s occasional home success, Barcelona’s overall head-to-head record shows their clear upper hand.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Barcelona	Girona	2 – 1	LaLiga	2025-10-18
Barcelona	Girona	4 – 1	LaLiga	2025-03-30
Girona	Barcelona	1 – 4	LaLiga	2024-09-15
Girona	Barcelona	4 – 2	LaLiga	2024-05-04
Barcelona	Girona	2 – 4	LaLiga	2023-12-10