FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez faced criticism online after claiming that Sunday’s surprising 4-2 defeat to Girona was an evenly matched contest.

Barca lost to their Catalan neighbors for the first time in La Liga history, and fell seven points behind this season’s surprise leaders in the title race as a consequence.

On paper, Girona could almost match Barcelona on everything despite playing away from home and were the more clinical side in front of goal.

“I think the match was even, it was decided by details,” Xavi stated after the match.

“We lacked effectiveness. We played well in the game.”

Girona move to the summit once again, leap-frogging Real Madridto lead by two points. After 16 games Gironaare on 41 points. Barcelona, meanwhile, slipped down to fourth behind Atletico Madrid, both with 34 points.

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