Girona finds itself at a pivotal juncture in its impressive La Liga campaign as they prepare to face league leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday.
The Catalan underdogs, marking only their fourth season in the top flight, currently hold the second spot, trailing Los Blancos by a mere two points.
Following Girona’s goalless stalemate with Real Sociedad last weekend, Madrid had an opportunity to extend their lead over Michel Sanchez’s squad. However, they also stumbled, settling for a draw against Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid boasts the league’s strongest defense, conceding only 15 goals in 23 matches, while Girona showcases the most potent attack with 52 goals.
Surpassing the typical title contenders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in their thrilling style of play, Michel’s team has captured attention with their dazzling football.
Their exhilarating performances, marked by swift play on the wings and bold forward drives, have ignited hopes for them to achieve the nearly unthinkable: becoming the first team outside the ‘big three’ to clinch La Liga since Valencia 20 years ago.
Securing at least a draw on Saturday appears imperative for Girona to maintain their title aspirations, yet they will face challenges due to the absence of key players. Michel, along with box-to-box midfielder Yangel Herrera and defender Daley Blind, will be sidelined following suspensions stemming from the Real Sociedad match, where Girona saw a contentious goal disallowed for offside just before Yangel Herrera’s subsequent conversion.
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While Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has voiced concerns about referee bias favoring Real Madrid, Michel holds a different perspective on the matter.
“I have the feeling that we are competing in the same conditions as the rest of the teams,” said the coach last weekend.
“I don’t see suspicious interference or strange situations.”
Recent media reports have brought potential distractions to light, including Barcelona’s interest in playmaker Aleix Garcia and Manchester City’s impending acquisition of on-loan winger Savinho from parent club Troyes.
Critics argue that the City Football Group’s ownership of both Girona and Troyes detracts from the Catalan club’s romantic ascent.
Madrid secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Girona at the quaint 14,000-seater Montilivi stadium in September.
This defeat stands as Girona’s sole loss of the season thus far, sparking a response of 15 unbeaten top-flight games, which included wins over Barca and Atletico.
Real Madrid is hopeful that centre-back Antonio Rudiger will recover from a knock in time for the match, having deployed full-back Dani Carvajal in that position against Atletico last weekend.
In another intriguing development, La Liga’s leading goal scorers, Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Girona’s Artem Dovybk, each boasting 14 goals, will square off. Despite Atletico securing a late draw last weekend, Ancelotti expressed calmness and satisfaction with his squad’s performances
“We are leaders and we have another chance to make a statement win next Saturday,” said the Italian.
“I’m calm, because the team is doing well … (this game) gives me a lot of confidence for the future of this league season.”
Key statistics:
Rayo winger Jorge de Frutos holds the record for the most substitute appearances in La Liga with 18.
Girona striker Artem Dovbyk tops the league in combined goals and assists with 19.
Alaves winger Luis Rioja leads in the number of crosses delivered in the top flight with 133.
Fixtures:
Friday
Cadiz vs. Real Betis (20:00)