WATCH: Miguel Gutierrez stuns Barcelona with incredible solo goal as Girona take the lead against La Liga champions for the second time in thrilling first-half

Girona took an early lead in the Liga clash thanks to Artem Dovbyk, only to be pegged back when Robert Lewandowski netted an equaliser for Barca in the 19th minute. The hosts got their noses back in front shortly before the interval, though, with Gutierrez picking the ball up just outside the centre-circle before embarking on a mazy run that ended with him rifling a brilliant outside-of-the-boot finish past helpless Barca goalkeeper Ignacio 'Inaki' Pena Sotorres.

Girona, who have been the surprise package of the 2023-24 La Liga season so far, went on to beat Barca 4-2 at the Olympic Stadium to record their 13th win out of 16 games. Michel's side haven't lost since a 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid on September 30, and they pounced on Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Saturday to return to the top of the table.

Barca's defence of the Liga title has not run smoothly so far, and questions are being asked of Xavi's position heading into a vital festive period as they now sit seven points adrift of Girona. The Blaugrana will wrap up their Champions League group stage campaign away at Antwerp on Wednesday, three days before a huge trip to Valencia in La Liga. Xavi's side will then face Almeria before taking in a rest over Spanish football's winter break.