Can Hansi Flick continue Barcelona’s 100 per cent record at Girona?

Losing by four goals to two on two separate occasions against Girona last season wasn’t Xavi’s finest hour.

One can’t simply continue with the notion that the team from Montilivi are still the Catalan minnows nowadays, because they were, metaphorically and actually, head and shoulders above the Blaugranes last season.

With three of their most important players in Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Garcia and Savio having moved on, however, and a Champions League tie against PSG coming directly after the Catalan derby, Girona may be hedging their bets in terms of the XI they put out against Barca.

The last thing the hosts will want is to be on the reverse of a heavy defeat before their first foray into the European elite.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

One can’t bet against Barca giving them a hiding this time around, given the confidence which Hansi Flick’s side are showing throughout their matches to date.

To have hit the groove this early in a season is a shock in itself, and if Girona are handed a footballing lesson too, the 15 points from 15 Barca will then have, will surely be one of the best starts of any manager at the club.

Of course, Michel’s well-drilled outfit are going to have something to say about that.

Oriol Romeu looked like a fish out of water back at Barcelona, but he’s already proving his worth again at the heart of Girona’s midfield.

Centre-forward, Abel Ruiz, will also have a point to prove against his former employers, whilst Bryan Gil will want to resurrect his fading career with the type of display that watchers of Spanish football know he has in his locker.

In Daley Blind and David Lopez, Girona also have huge experience in their back line.

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

However, it’s a different Barca that will be pitching up at Montilivi at the weekend. A Barca side that have answered every question asked of them this season with the minimum of fuss.

Quietly efficient, the Blaugranes have been deadly when they need to be, and whilst they won’t get things all their own way in the game, Girona can be assured of an attacking onslaught against them as Flick’s Barca go for the jugular.

There will be no let up, and that’s punishing for the opponents that are on the end of it.

There’s a seriousness to Barcelona’s play now that was missing for long periods under Xavi Hernandez.

Flick has quickly restored some order and calm in the dressing room, and with results following suit thus far, Girona will deserve all the plaudits if they’re able to stop the juggernaut.