In a tightly contested match on Saturday, Girona triumphed over Valencia with a score of 2-1. The home team’s first goal came from Vladyslav Vanat in the 17th minute, showcasing an impressive play. Valencia’s Diego López equalized the match just minutes later, in the 12th minute of the second half, but Girona reclaimed the lead through Arnau Martinez, who scored in the 62nd minute.
Diego López had a chance to tie the game again in the 54th minute, but his shot hit the post, leaving Valencia without a point. Throughout the match, Valencia struggled to convert their 17 shooting opportunities, with only 9 on target and 6 going astray.
Arnau Martinez was named Man of the Match, contributing one goal and completing 24 accurate passes. Vladyslav Vanat also played a vital role, registering a goal and attempting 2 shots on target while completing 10 passes.
Girona’s head coach, Miguel Sánchez Muñoz, deployed a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, with a defensive line of Alejandro Francés, Vitor Reis, and Daley Blind. The midfield included Arnau Martinez, Axel Witsel, Iván Martín, and Álex Moreno, supported by forwards Yáser Asprilla, Vladyslav Vanat, and Portu.
On the other side, Valencia’s coach Carlos Corberán opted for a 4-4-2 setup with Julen Agirrezabala in goal. His defense comprised Thierry Correia, César Tárrega, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Jesús Vázquez, while the midfield included Luis Rioja, Baptiste Santamaria, Pepelu, and Diego López, with Arnaut Danjuma and Lucas Beltrán as strikers.
Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Girona will visit Barcelona, while Valencia will travel to face Alavés at the Mendizorroza Stadium. Post-match, Girona remains at 6 points, positioned 16th in the table, while Valencia sits with 8 points in 14th place.
Substitutions for Girona
22’ 1T – Alejandro Francés was replaced by Hugo Rincón
67’ 2T – Vladyslav Vanat was substituted for Cristhian Stuani
82’ 2T – Yáser Asprilla, Diego López, and Portu made way for Lass Kourouma, Daniel Raba, and Bryan Gil respectively.
Yellow Cards for Girona:
45’ 1T Vitor Reis (Unsporting behavior)
11’ 2T Iván Martín (Holding an opponent to prevent progression)
50’ 2T Arnau Martinez (Delaying the game)
Red Cards for Girona:
34’ 2T Iván Martín (Second yellow)
51’ 2T Alejandro Francés (Direct red)
Substitutions for Valencia
4’ 1T – Mouctar Diakhaby was replaced by José Copete
45’ 2T – Baptiste Santamaria was substituted for Javi Guerra
71’ 2T – Thierry Correia was replaced by Largie Ramazani and Lucas Beltrán by Hugo Duro.
Yellow Card for Valencia:
9’ 2T Luis Rioja (Unsporting behavior)