At the beginning of this week, Girona beat Barcelona 2-1 in a vital La Liga fixture. The win by Michel’s side sees them rise to 12th on the La Liga table. After a difficult first half of the season, Girona have come to life in recent weeks. Their win over Barcelona was impressive for a host of reasons. From a Manchester City point of view, Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri played a key role in Girona’s hugely impressive victory. The pair showed that they are made for the big stage based on how they performed against the current La Liga holders.
Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri played pivotal roles in Girona’s impressive win.
As Girona beat Barcelona, Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri played important roles in Girona’s win. Vitor Reis was a rock at the back for Michel’s side. In the case of Claudio Echeverri, he came off the bench to play what was a dazzling, and match-winning cameo.
Vitor Reis was a rock at the back for Girona in their win over Barcelona. Up against Barcelona’s star-studded attack, the young Brazilian centre-back starred. Vitor Reis was composed in possession, as he always is. Barcelona’s high press didn’t seem to ruffle the feathers of the young Brazilian defender when he was on the ball. Defensively, Vitor Reis read the game exceptionally well and was on hand several times to snuff out the threat that Barcelona posed. Reis made nine clearances, won all four of his ground duels, and aerially he did what he had to do. Vitor Reis has been exceptional for Girona this season, and his performance against Barcelona showed the Brazilian defender is ready to make it on the big stage.
Claudio Echeverri came off the bench in the 73rd minute of Girona’s win. From the moment Echeverri came on, he took the game to the Barcelona defense. His dribbling ability and pace were a major weapon in Girona’s late surge. The Barcelona defense couldn’t cope with the threat that Echeverri posed. He set up Girona’s winner with a magical run, and Echeverri showed in 17 match-winning minutes why City was so eager to sign him from River Plate.
Claudio Echeverri vs. Barcelonapic.twitter.com/MiV2EAHyXw
— Francisco (@fran_carrascoo) February 16, 2026
Manchester City will be thrilled to see Echeverri and Vitor Reis thrive against Barcelona.
Manchester City knew they were signing two talented young players with loads of potential in Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis. The pair needed loan moves to further develop their games this season. Vitor Reis has shown how good he is as he has become a key member of their defence. Claudio Echeverri endured a frustrating time at Bayer Leverkusen during the first half of this season. He subsequently joined Girona on loan for the second half of this season. Since arriving at Girona, Echeverri has shown what he is capable of and why he should have joined the La Liga side for the entire season.
More importantly, Echeverri and Vitor Reis showed they can perform when the pressure is at its highest. Barcelona are one of the better sides in Europe, and of course, Spain. The pair played a key role in Girona’s win earlier this week, and Manchester City will be thrilled to see the pair show their temperament as well as their talent on the big stage.