GIRONA – In a remarkable twist in the LaLiga narrative, Girona FC, once considered underdogs, soared to the league summit with a resounding 3-0 win over Alaves. Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk’s brace and a goal from Portu propelled the Catalan side to a two-point lead over Real Madrid.
Girona’s Ascendancy – Girona, continuing their exceptional form, took control from the outset. Dovbyk’s instinctive strike in the 23rd minute opened the scoring, pouncing on a rebound off the goalkeeper. Portu then doubled the advantage with a sublime effort from the edge of the box just before halftime.
A significant aspect of Girona’s strategy was their dominance on the right flank, with Brazilian full-back Yan Couto causing constant trouble for Alaves’ defense. His pace and dribbling skills were a persistent threat, culminating in a penalty earned by Couto in the 59th minute.
Dovbyk, seizing the opportunity, confidently converted the penalty, sending the ball straight down the middle to notch his second goal of the match.
This victory marks Girona’s 14th win in 17 games, the best record across Europe’s top five leagues at this stage. Their only notable setback was a defeat to Real Madrid in late September.
Portu’s post-match reflections encapsulated Girona’s ethos – a relentless hunger for success and a focus on day-to-day progress without getting complacent.
Girona’s win places them at the pinnacle of LaLiga with 44 points, leading over traditional giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their fairytale run, especially after gaining promotion just two seasons ago, has sparked conversations about their potential to clinch an unprecedented title.
Girona FC’s triumph over Alaves isn’t just a win; it’s a statement of intent. Their consistent performances, tactical acumen, and team spirit have turned them into genuine title contenders, challenging the established hierarchy of Spanish football. Their journey this season is a testament to the unpredictability and competitiveness of LaLiga.
