Girona were hoping to bounce back this weekend as they dropped points at home to Athletic Club in a 1-1 draw on Monday, which saw them fall off top spot and be replaced by Real Madrid.
Míchel’s men were once again playing at home, coming up against 10th-placed Valencia. The home side were hoping to make a return to the top of the table, with Real Madrid set to play Granada later on Saturday. The game certainly didn’t disappoint as the Catalans scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to come from a goal down to win 2-1 and go three points clear – for now – at the top of La Liga.
The first half proved uneventful, with neither goalkeeper being tested. Despite Girona having most of the possession, it was Los Che who seemed the most threatening. The game sparked to life in the second half, with both teams starting quickly. Girona midfielder Aleix García was the first player to test the Valencia goal with a powerful long-range shot, which was comfortably palmed away.
However, it was Valencia who opened the scoring through an impressive Hugo Duro goal as he pounced on a defensive error from the home side, allowing him to carry the ball and lift the ball over Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga and into the net.
Girona struggled to find a rhythm as they looked for a comeback, with Valencia continuing to play well. With Girona looking unlikely to find a way through, up stepped substitute Cristhian Stuani, who got on the end of a Yan Couto cross to bring the home side level.
The Uruguayan then got on the end of another Couto cross to complete the incredible comeback in the 88th minute at Montilivi. Girona thought they had a third through the brilliant Sávio but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. However, they won’t mind as they return to the top of the La Liga table.
GSFN | Finn Entwistle
