As Barcelona played Girona in their matchday 16 match in La Liga, they were put to the test once more in a Catalan rivalry that had a far more ferocious undertone than one could ever think.

The Girona team coached by Michel Sanchez has been in excellent form this season and has already established themselves as legitimate candidates to compete for the league crown. They have won 12 of their first 15 games and have only lost one, which has allowed them to enjoy a position of dominance at the top of the table.

Barcelona entered the game trailing them by four points and facing a situation in which they needed to win in order to avoid falling too far behind their neighbors as well as their everlasting rivals Real Madrid. This was due to the fact that Barcelona had a dream start to the season.

In spite of the fact that it was a significant undertaking, Barcelona was unable to do it. Their terrible defense really came back to get them, as Girona was able to stop them very efficiently and play some silky football of their own. Although they did not perform poorly in the attacking position, they did not do well in defense.

A sad evening was spent watching Barcelona’s neighbors claim their first-ever victory over the azulgranas. Here are the ratings from that awful evening.

Inaki Pena: 5

The 24-year-old did not do much wrong and there was not much he could do about the first and third goals, but as good as the finish was, he does have points docked for conceding the second at his near post and his distribution.

Jules Kounde: 5

Kounde started again at right-back, made some proactive forays forward and recovered to win his duels on the defensive side of things initially, but also left his flank exposed on a few occasions and was exposed for the third and final goal.

Ronald Araujo: 4

Was dragged all over the place positionally as Girona stretched the play exceptionally well, and was not at his usual brilliant best, showing an uncharacteristic lack of determination.

Andreas Christensen: 4

His remarkable run of success came to an end when Christensen made a mistake that allowed Viktor Tsygankov to score the first goal for Girona. Christensen also failed to shut down Gutierrez in a timely manner, which resulted in Girona scoring the second goal.

Joao Cancelo: 4.5

Although he was able to get into some decent positions when he ventured forward, the full-back was also unable to capitalize on several golden opportunities and left his center-backs stranded one too many times.

Frenkie de Jong: 8

Not only did he always look fantastic while bringing the ball forward, but he was also one of the most active players for the Catalans, and he also helped them out constantly in the back and forward positions.

The brightest point. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan: 7

Kept things tidy as he helped enter the final third and also had a few cracks at goal, and scored in the dying embers to cut the lead, but should have probably had more.

Pedri: 7

His ability to seemingly always make the right decision is astounding. Pedri was very solid in possession, but could not stamp his authority on the game in the second half.

Raphinha: 6

A great delivery from the corner to assist Robert Lewandowski and his work rate was offset by the subpar crosses that followed and some poor decision-making and sloppy touches.

Robert Lewandowski: 6

Scored a great header to equalise for Barcelona, but did little outside of that and missed a glorious chance to level in the final moments of the game.

Joao Felix: 4.5

After what initially looked like it might be a bright start, Felix seemed completely invisible and entirely failed to exert his influence on the game.

Frustrating, to say the least. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

SUBSTITUTES:

Lamine Yamal: 6

Made some good darts inward and put in a couple of good passes into the box.

Ferran Torres: 6.5

Seemed immediately energetic when he came on, inverting in off the left sharply and played some clever link-up passes, also setting up Gundogan’s late goal.

Alejandro Balde: 5.5

Strangely brought on at centre-back, Balde was tasked with going forward when in possession but not much came out of it.

Fermin Lopez: N/A

Did not have enough time to make an impact.