Xavi admits Girona style is what Barcelona are 'looking for' as he bemoans defensive errors & wasteful finishing in costly 4-2 defeat against La Liga leaders

The defending champions faced yet another setback on Sunday as they went down 2-4 against La Liga leaders Girona.

Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan were on target for Barcelona but Michel's Girona exploited their defensive woes and registered a thumping win in the end.

Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Xavi said, "The match was even, it is decided by details. If Barça won today we would also have said that it would have been fair, I think we have shot 31 times. We have lacked effectiveness and perhaps the errors in defense have taken their toll on us. Even at the desperate end, we had it 3-3.

“They have a proposal similar to what we are looking for. Girona has a lot of merit in what they are doing. They are the leaders of the standings and have a seven-point advantage over us. Much deserved. I think the work that both Míchel and the Girona players are doing is spectacular. Congratulate them."

Both Barcelona's defenders and attackers had a night to forget as Jules Kounde produced a disastrous performance in the right-back position. He was at fault during Girona's second and third goals. Lewandowski too had a disappointing outing as he failed to leave any mark on the game other than scoring his team's opening goal.

Defence played an important role in the Catalan club's title win last season as they conceded just 20 goals in 38 matches. Compared to that, the team's backline has already leaked 18 goals in the ongoing campaign.

Xavi's side, who are currently seven points behind leaders Girona and five behind second-placed Real Madrid, will now prepare to face Antwerp in their final Champions League group stage game on Wednesday. In La Liga, they next face Valencia on Saturday.