La Liga 2017/18: Girona 0-3 Barcelona, 5 Talking Points

#2 Manchester City's loanees were Girona's bright spots

*****

Pep Guardiola's shadow loomed large over this game - Pablo Machin sat in the opposite dugout, having famously overseen Numancia's 1-0 win over Barcelona in Guardiola's first game in charge of the Catalans. With Pere Guardiola part of the ownership structure of Girona, it was hardly a surprise to see Manchester City's loanees start the game.

However, it wasn't just undue influence that ensured Pablo Maffeo, Aleix Garcia and Douglas Luiz started the game - the trio were magnificent and perhaps the most impressive of Girona's players. Maffeo's shadowing of Messi was quite brilliant, while Aleix Garcia kept things fluid for Girona as they managed to compete with Barca in the first hour.

Douglas Luiz was the most impressive Girona player tonight, and his confidence with the ball shone through - it won't be long before he'll be a part of Guardiola's Manchester City. There was even time for Marlos Moreno and Larry Kayode to put in impressive cameos.