Girona officially entered Europe for the first time in its history with a dazzling performance against Cádiz. With six days left, the only thing left to know is which tournament they will compete in, once the Europa League has been secured. Football and ambition, as well as the classification (10 points above Athletic’s fifth place), point to the Champions League. Montilivi’s desire prevailed over Cádiz’s need, which in its fight for permanence is increasingly distanced from Celta. The Andalusian squad was a simple spectator of Girona’s virtuous display.
4
Gazzaniga, David López, Daley Blind, Miguel Gutierrez (Arnau Martinez, min. 76), Eric Garcia, Aleix García, Sávio, Iván Martín (Portu, min. 76), Yangel Herrera (Jhon Solís, min. 58), Yan Couto (Pablo Torre, min. 86) and Dovbyk (Toni Villa, min. 86)
1
Jeremias Ledesma, Aiham Ousou, Iza, Victor Chust, Lucas Pires, Rubén Alcaraz, Álex Fernández (Escalante, min. 45), Robert Navarro (Sergi Guardiola, min. 85), Iván Alejo (Rubén Sobrino, min. 70), Maxi Gómez (Roger, min. 69) and Juanmi (Chris Ramos, min. 45)
Goals 1-0 min. 9: Eric Garcia. 2-0 min. 21: Iván Martín. 3-0 min. 71: Dovbyk. 3-1 min. 80: Escalante. 4-1 min. 81: Portu.
Referee Javier Alberola Rojas
Yellow cards Álex Fernández (min. 30), Miguel Gutierrez (min. 42) and Victor Chust (min. 75)
The match was concluded in a very good first half by Michel’s team. The red and white team played with aggression and speed, impossible for Cádiz to defend, lost in Montilivi. The pace of the match was as diabolical as Girona’s football was precise. With one and two touches, Michel’s boys always found the player free to throw the pass and score the shot against Ledesma. The excellent collective work was signed by two goals and two shots in less than 40 minutes to the astonishment of Cádiz. Defeated five times in a row on someone else’s field, Girona has become strong and beautiful in Montilivi.
The strategy combined with preciousness to certify the 2-0. Eric García headed a Savinho cross from a corner prepared by the technical team and Iván Martín crossed with a left foot a ball enabled by a backheel from Miguel. Girona’s confidence and security, excellent in occupying spaces through pressure and depth, contrasted with Cádiz’s fear and narrowness. The points conceded by Athletic have further fueled Girona’s desire to win the Champions League. The break, in any case, marked a turning point for the fortunes of Cádiz.
Pellegrino’s team was encouraged by the intensity while Girona lost width in the field and retreated towards Gazzaniga. The red and white team are more recognizable and admirable when they do not stop attacking than when they try to rest with the ball, as was already noted against Atlético. Michel does not like that his team manages a favorable score but demands that the competitive tension not decrease, especially in Montilivi. The coach’s irritation increased because Cádiz was close to the goal until Dovbik made it 3-0 in an excellent maneuver that had to be validated by the VAR.
It was of no use to Cádiz that Escalante scored later from a corner because Escalante himself committed Ledesma and Portu scored 4-1. There was no more football debate, but rather an impatient wait for the fans and the team to celebrate an unprecedented success: Girona will play in Europe. The challenge is the Champions League and the next rival in Montilivi is Barça.
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