Barça Stumble at Montilivi: Flick Refuses Excuses After Girona Upset

By Oddixa — 2026-02-17

Hansi Flick highlighted a missed foul in the lead-up to Girona's winning goal but took full responsibility for Barcelona's unexpected 2-1 defeat.

Barcelona’s pursuit of La Liga dominance hit a massive speed bump on Monday night as they fell -1 to Girona in a result that sent shockwaves through the betting markets. While manager Hansi Flick was vocal about a 'clear' foul that preceded Girona’s decisive strike, he was quick to pivot away from the officiating. For bettors, this level of accountability from Flick is a double-edged sword; it suggests a locker room focused on improvement, but also highlights defensive vulnerabilities that high-press teams continue to exploit.

From a betting perspective, this result is a stark reminder of the volatility in Spanish football's regional derbies. Barcelona entered the match as heavy favorites on the moneyline, but their inability to maintain control at Montilivi underscores a recurring issue with defensive lapses during transition play. Girona, often overlooked against the 'Big Three,' proved once again why they are a dangerous 'Over' play and a live underdog threat at home. Moving forward, sharp bettors should keep a close eye on Barça’s defensive rotations, as Flick’s refusal to blame the refs suggests tactical adjustments—rather than personnel changes—are on the horizon.