GIRONAIt was not just any night: it must be distinguished, protected and preserved in the memory of Montilivi. Because in all areas of life, the subconscious usually betrays us and, many times, gives more weight to negative events. Traumatic experiences, emotional break-ups, job losses. The bad moments that have marked us and have often meant a before and after. But there must also be room for the first kiss, for the birth of a child, for a remarkable professional milestone. In a League of thirty-eight days the same happens.
The match against Almeria means so much to Girona, that it is difficult for them to stay with just one thing. The beating (6-2) to which he subjected a direct opponent by standing was mainly established in a first-half finish in which he directly knocked him out, as Ali did in the ring with his rivals. The three points take on importance after the defeat in Cadiz last week, where the team did not appear. Like Almeria in Montilivi, which was not there.
If Míchel’s men took a load off because the dynamics were not good and a slip could have had consequences, many footballers turned the game into a personal showcase. Starting with Taty Castellanos, the starting centre-forward who in 2023 had not yet sent the ball into the back of the net and was the one who opened the scoring, following a delicious cross from Arnau, who also puts them well with the left. The nano has it all.
Three goals in nine differential minutes
Viktor Tsygankov had his moment, who took advantage of the opportunity by participating in the first goal and scoring the second. Good minutes of the Ukrainian, need for self-esteem after many changes in a few weeks. Between the first two goals, there was still time for Castellanos to have one disallowed for Tsygankov’s offside. Good thing, the attitude.
And, suddenly, the thrashing, which came without warning. Because Girona’s game did not invite a difference like this either. But when you’re inspired, what can you do with it? Riquelme, quite participative and intoned, and an excursion from Javi Hernández, made it 4-0 before the break. Montilivi danced, despite the cold.
The stadium will be a fundamental part of permanence, if it is achieved. At the moment, and even if Girona plays more games at home than other teams, it is provisionally the third best home team in the category. A condition argued also in the second half, when Almeria had cut back thanks to a goal by Ramazani. Girona ran the risk of relaxing, but they didn’t. Better said, Montilivi didn’t let him do it.
The seven of the Catalan team, which remains in eleventh position in the League, with a margin also provisional of seven points over Valencia, which marks the red line, came in a formidable stretch, in which the substitutes raised he sees it as the headlines had done before. Iván Martín and Cristhian Stuani added to the beating, while the fans had a blast. Like that afternoon against Las Palmas and the hat-trick of Olunga. El Bilal’s final goal didn’t even work and the Girona fans left happy, with the feeling of having had a good time. Bisbalen’s Ricard Artero also made his debut in Primera. Another success of the base, which does not stop promoting young and splendid talents.
- Girona: Gazzaniga, Arnau, Bueno, Juanpe, Javi Hernández (Callens, 83′), Romeu, Aleix Garcia, Borja García (Artero, 83′), Tsygankov (Toni Villa, 65′), Riquelme (Iván Martín, 76′) and Castellanos (Stuani, 76′). Coach: Míchel Sánchez.
- Almeria: Fernando, Mendes (Ramazani, 46′), Ely, Babic, Akieme, De La Hoz, Samú (Chumi, 46′), Baptistao (Arnau Puigmal, 46′), Robertone, Embarba (El Bilal, 46′) and Suárez Coach: Joan Francesc Ferrer ‘Rubi’.
- Goals: 1-0 Castellanos (8′), 2-0 Tsygankov (34′), 3-0 Riquelme (37′), 4-0 Javi Hernández (43′), 4-1 Ramazani (66′), 5- 1 Iván Martín (77′), 6-1 Stuani (79′) and 6-2 El Bilal (81′).
- Referee: Pizarro Gómez (Madrid Committee).
- Yellow cards: Borja García (59′) and Suárez (90′).
- Red cards: None.
- Stadium: Montilivi, 8,879 spectators.