Robert Lewandowski struck twice as Barcelona reclaimed a three-point cushion at the top of La Liga with a commanding 4-1 victory over Girona at the Olympic Stadium.
Ladislav Krejci’s first-half own goal handed Barça a deserved lead, but Girona briefly threatened an upset when Arnaut Danjuma equalized early in the second half.
However, Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s advantage just after the hour mark with an instinctive finish before netting his 25th league goal of the season following a brilliant midfield move orchestrated by substitute Frenkie de Jong.
Ferran Torres capped off the win with a late strike into the bottom corner, sealing a ninth consecutive La Liga triumph for Hansi Flick’s side.
It was the perfect response after Real Madrid’s comeback win over Leganés had temporarily drawn them level on points at the top.
Now, with momentum firmly on their side, Barcelona turn their focus to Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, where the tie remains delicately poised at 4-4.