DirectChronicle
Girona was not Girona in Almería. The Catalans miraculously picked up a point against the bottom team, Almería were superior to the league leaders who they controlled in all aspects of the game except the most important one, the points table. The Andalusians, who have still not achieved victory, still do not understand how victory could have eluded them after hoarding one chance after another against an unknown rival who was never able to control the pace of the game and the To enforce possession of the ball, which is what sets them apart. Against Girona, Almería fired up to 20 shots, which were blocked by goalkeeper Gazzaniga and the lack of accuracy of Garitano's team. If they had played like that all season, Almería wouldn't be bottom of the table. The point is excellent prey for Girona. According to what was seen on the pitch and because it allows him to position himself as the sole leader since Madrid does not play that day (they will do so on February 1st against Getafe) when it comes to the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.
0
Luis Maximiano, César Montes (Luis Suárez, min. 83), Marc Pubill, Chumi, Akieme, Dion Lopy, Sergio Arribas (Kaiky, min. 84), Embarba (Gonzalo Melero, min. 68), Lucas Robertone, Edgar González ( Pozo, min. 62) and Leo Baptistao
0
Gazzaniga, Juanpe, Daley Blind, Arnau Martinez, Miguel Gutierrez, Yan Couto (Tsygankov, Min. 56), Aleix García, Iván Martín, Valery Fernández (Sávio, Min. 67), Pablo Torre (Jhon Solís, Min. 56) and Dovbyk (Stuani, Min. 67)
Goals
referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer
Yellow cards Leo Baptistao (Min. 20), Valery Fernández (Min. 34), Akieme (Min. 55), Juanpe (Min. 64), Sávio (Min. 70), César Montes (Min. 78), Kaiky (Min . 83) and Arnau Martinez (min. 97)
Red cards for Aleix García (min. 80)
Girona found itself in Almería with the difficulties that big teams bring. Performing well every time, in every scenario and every day, is only in the power of the chosen ones. This fantastic team consistently performed at their best and didn't have a bad day until the sunny Andalusian midday. In Almería, in the field of a final team that had not yet tasted victory, Míchel's team experienced first-hand how complicated it is to always be competitive. The Andalusian team gave Girona a good score in the first half, which they dominated at will, as Girona were unable to show the game with which they amazed half of Europe.
Míchel's men, who left Savio on the bench, succumbed to pressure from Almería, who were more energetic and well led by Edgar as a midfielder, a position in which he also performed very well at Betis. And of course the Andalusian team had the best chances in the first act. Gazzaniga was excellent against two clear attempts from Arribas. And no one can still explain why the Madrid striker didn't score in the 36th minute, even though everything speaks for it. Akieme had extended the ball from the side of the penalty area and Arribas, with the goal almost empty, shot wide.
A minute into the second half, Gazzaniga saved his team again after a great shot from Leo in the center of an Akieme who was playing at a high level. The game's script shouldn't change much. Arribas scored after a great left leg shot and Girona could only breathe a sigh of relief after Edgar's injury in the 62nd minute. Míchel also brought in Savio and for a few minutes it seemed like the Girona great was returning. Everything went wrong for the Catalans in the 81st minute when Aleix García received a straight red card for throwing Melero to the ground as he stood in front of Gazzaniga's goal. Girona had to suffer while the Andalusian fans threw up their hands: César Montes, Akieme and Ramazani had three very clear scoring options that didn't miraculously go into the net. It is not known when the bottom team will be able to win a game as they let Luis Suárez recover from a serious injury. Girona, a little nervous, had the virtue of not losing in a bad game.
You can follow EL PAÍS Deportes on Facebook and Xor sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter.