The match between Girona and Villarreal, held on April 7, 2023, at 16:00 (UTC+1), concluded with a slim victory for the home side at 1-0. The decisive moment came just before halftime when defender Pau Navarro unintentionally sent the ball into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Luiz Júnior helpless. Girona celebrated as Villarreal struggled to turn the tide of the game.
Axel Witsel stood out with an impressive performance, successfully completing 60 passes throughout the match.
Defensively, Daley Blind made significant contributions, clearing two threatening opportunities for Girona.
Coach Miguel Sánchez Muñoz implemented a 4-4-2 formation for Girona, featuring Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, with Arnau Martinez, Vitor Reis, Daley Blind, and Álex Moreno forming the defensive line. The midfield consisted of Fran Beltrán, Axel Witsel, Iván Martín, and Azzedine Ounahi, while Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat led the attack.
In contrast, Villarreal, managed by Marcelino García Toral, also opted for a 4-4-2 setup, with Luiz Júnior guarding the net. The defensive quartet included Álvaro Mouriño, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, and Alfonso Pedraza, while Nicolas Pépé, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye, and Alberto Moleiro filled the midfield roles, leaving Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze upfront.
Referee Adrián Cordero Vega oversaw the match proceedings.
In the next fixture, Girona will face Real Madrid away, while Villarreal travels to meet Athletic Bilbao.
As a result of this match, Girona sits in 12th place in the league with 37 points, whereas Villarreal remains in 3rd with 58 points.
Substitutions for Girona
11’ 1T – Vladyslav Vanat was replaced by Abel Ruíz
73’ 2T – Daley Blind was substituted for Alejandro Francés and Iván Martín for Thomas Lemar
84’ 2T – Arnau Martinez made way for Hugo Rincón and Azzedine Ounahi for Joel Roca
Bookings for Girona:
7’ 2T Vitor Reis (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 34’ 2T Fran Beltrán (Holding an opponent to prevent them from advancing)
Substitutions for Villarreal
69’ 2T – Alberto Moleiro was substituted for Alfon González
70’ 2T – Álvaro Mouriño was replaced by Alexander Freeman and Nicolas Pépé by Tajon Buchanan
79’ 2T – Alfonso Pedraza made way for Sergi Cardona
Bookings for Villarreal:
20’ 1T Álvaro Mouriño (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 31’ 2T Alfonso Pedraza (Unsportsmanlike conduct)