Here come Barcelona again, but an attempted pas through to Joao Felix is cut out.

This is being played at a great tempo so far and it's not long before Viktor Tsygankov is trying his luck from the edge of the penalty area at the other end of the pitch.

He strikes it low and hard but it's comfortable enough for Inaki Pena.

It's end to end in the early stages!

Barcelona apply pressure now and after Girona eventually scramble the ball away from their box there's a VAR check for a handball against Eric Garcia. It's completely accidental and his arm is down, and on we go.

A bright start by Girona, who win back possession in midfield and Artem Dovbyk races on to a throughball.

Jules Kounde gets back to deny him, conceding a corner, and from the set-piece David Lopez's hopeful attempt at an overhead kick flies well over the crossbar.

Away we go!

The hosts get us under way.

Girona have become only the fifth club in La Liga history to win 12 of their first 15 games of the season.

They have joined the big three sides in Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, plus Athletic Bilbao in 1955-56 - a season in which they finished as champions - in achieving that feat.

They have also gained the most points from losing positions of any side in the top five European leagues this season (19).

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Barcelona are unbeaten in each of their six La Liga meetings with Girona (W4 D2).

They are also unbeaten in their four home games in all competitions against Girona (W2 D2), scoring a total of 17 goals in those games and conceding just three.

Xavi's side have scored in each of their last 13 home league games - their best run under heir current manager - scoring 26 goals during that run.

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Image source, Getty Images

Barcelona will start tonight's match five points behind leaders Real Madrid, with Girona able to distance Xavi's side by seven points with victory.

It is a game of huge importance for the hosts as they seek to defend the title they won by 10 points last season.

Xavi, speaking earlier this week, said he believes Girona are a genuine title threat.

"They have surprised many by being so high in the standings, but for us they are not a surprise," Xavi said.

"They are a direct [title] rival and they can aspire to win the league, against all predictions.

"I like them. They are brave, they play with no fear. Michel could manage a big club."

Here's how the top of La Liga looks before kick-off at the Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys.

Plenty to play for.

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Girona have been handed the chance to move top with victory at third-placed Barcelona this evening after Real Madrid were held at Real Betis on Saturday.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham continued his remarkable start at the Bernabeu by scoring his 16th goal in 18 games, the 20-year-old slotting in after controlling a delightful pass from Brahim Diaz.

But Aitor Ruibal hit a stunning equaliser from outside the area to prevent Carlo Ancelotti's side opening a four-point advantage at the summit.

"Given the effort Betis made, they didn't deserve to lose. The result is good. We're happy because it's a tough stadium. They scored a fantastic goal. I am satisfied - you can't win every match," Ancelotti said.

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Girona have won 12 and lost just one of their 15 league games this season to sit second, one point behind Real Madrid who were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis yesterday.

They finished 10th last season, winning 13 games in the entire 38-game campaign, and survival was the club's priority at the start of the season.

Their sole defeat this campaign came against Real Madrid in September and Michel's impressive side have won eight and drawn one of their nine games in all competitions since that 3-0 loss.

"The current objective is to qualify for Europe," Girona coach Michel said.

"We have 38 points and we're one win away from that 40-point safety mark we talk of.

"If we beat Barca, we will enter another dimension."

Barcelona are unchanged from the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Robert Lewandowski leads the line, with former Manchester City players Joao Cancelo and Ilkay Gundogan starting against Girona - a member of the City Football Group.

Barcelona XI: Inaki Pena, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo, De Jong, Gundogan, Pedri, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix.

Meanwhile, Girona boss Michel has made one change from his side's previous La Liga outing - a 2-1 win over Valencia.

That sees Manchester City loanee Yan Couto come in at right wing-back, replacing the absent Yangel Herrera.

Girona XI: Gazzaniga, Yan Couto, E Garcia, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez, Martin, A Garcia, Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Savio.

As the halfway stage of the season approaches, Girona continue to battle with La Liga's giants at the top of the table.

This season's surprise package in the Spanish top flight, the visitors can replace Real Madrid at the top of the table if they are able to record a significant victory at Barcelona this evening.

But can they do it?

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