In a match where Lamine Yamal was far from being the standout, Joan García emerged as the best player for FC Barcelona despite the 2-1 defeat suffered at Montilivi against Girona in LaLiga-a result that also cost them the league lead to Real Madrid.

This game was more than important, especially coming off a heavy loss in the Copa del Rey against Atlético Madrid, with Real Madrid already having seized the top spot in the LaLiga title race.

Joan García speaks out on VAR controversy

The Barça goalkeeper did not hold back and expressed surprise that VAR failed to call referee César Soto Grado to review a possible foul on Jules Koundé during the build-up to Girona's decisive 2-1 goal.

"Live I didn't see it clearly-it's a very quick action-but after watching the replays, for me it's a foul. Jules gets to the ball first and gets stepped on. The referee can make a mistake on the field because it's so fast, but what surprises me most is that VAR didn't call him. These things happen. We can't control them. We just have to keep going," Joan García told DAZN.

Amid growing VAR controversy in LaLiga, García also sent a clear message to his teammates, warning that this Barcelona defense is "conceding too much and too easily," while admitting that his saves "don't do much good" if the team fails to secure points in the LaLiga title race.

With March shaping up as a decisive month, Barcelona risk seeing their Champions League and Copa del Rey hopes fade if they fall further behind Real Madrid or suffer elimination in Europe-raising even more pressure on Xavi's side amid mounting VAR controversy and defensive concerns.