2023-11-06 00:00:58
Football – First Division
Real Madrid were unable to overcome one of their city rivals and surrendered first place in the standings
BarcelonaGirona is the new sole leader of the First Division. The Catalan side, who are making a fine start to the season, benefited from a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu and are two points ahead of Real Madrid in the standings after 12 games. Míchel Sánchez’s men will not lose this privilege at least until next Saturday, when they will precisely visit Vallecas in the last game before a new international break. In Montilivi they are pinched when they see their team treating the two giants of state football as equals and top favorites to win the League. Because if the distance with the whites is two points, the margin over Barça rises to four. In addition, the Catalans have a 10-point cushion over fifth place, the first that does not give access to the next Champions League. The reference in this sense is Athletic Club, which prevailed against Vila-real in La Ceràmica (2-3).
If Girona is the sole leader, it is thanks to their triumph against Osasuna on Saturday and the stumbling of a Madrid that did not find a way to solve a theoretically easy game against Rayo at home. Those of Carlo Ancelotti, who came loaded with confidence after winning the classic on the edge with two goals from Jude Bellingham, they were unable to get the job done against an opponent who kept the siege throughout. The clearest opportunity for the whites in the first half was Fede Valverde, who in a hand to hand with Dimitrievski kicked the dummy. Joselu also came close to scoring, but his shot from a corner went wide of the left post of the goal of the team coached by Francisco Rodríguez, an old acquaintance of Girona.
That football is a handkerchief is also clear when you look at how Míchel started as a coach in Vallecas. The Madrid coach will always be grateful to his origins, despite the fact that he was sacked when he coached Rayo Vallecano. Precisely, his departure began to take shape after a defeat against Girona in Vallecas. Fate is capricious. Be that as it may, the reality is that the Catalan club, after only 12 games, has a margin of no less than 24 points with respect to relegation, which marks Celta de Vigo. This fact now seems irrelevant, but only two months ago salvation was Girona’s priority objective.
Míchel’s solo lead was in danger in the 66th minute of the match at the Santiago Bernabéu, when Vinícius’ goal was disallowed for offside by Joselu, who had assisted him with his chest. On the other hand, the entry of Rodrygo led to an addition of danger for the white team. But Rayo Vallecano, practically unheard of in attack, was able to stay firm in defense under Francisco’s orders. And, when the field players couldn’t stop the Madrid attack, Dimitrievski, ex of Gimnàstic de Tarragona, appeared to solve the dangerous situation.
The second time that Girona is the leader alone
The experience of being alone at the top of the standings is not new for Girona. This same year he was able to experience it for the first time in history. It was day 7 when he got it. But then the joy was short-lived. Specifically, three days, the ones that passed until, precisely, Real Madrid blew the lead by winning 0-3 at Montilivi with goals from Joselu, Tchouaméni and Bellingham. It is the only defeat that Girona has suffered in the first 12 matches. Now, at least, it will last him six days. See you next Saturday. A movie story.
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