Girona drew (0-0) against Real Sociedad in Montelivi this Saturday in a match in which Gil Manzano was disallowed for offside by Yankel Herrera half a minute before the match, and was shown a fifth yellow for dispossessing Mikel Sanchez. To Yankel Herrera and Daly Blind.
They will be significant losses in next Saturday's game against Real Madrid, in which Girona will arrive with 56 points from 23 games: 12 points clear of Athletic Club, the first team outside the Champions League places, and 19 points clear of Real Sociedad. Girona went through matchday 15 without defeat.
Alvaro Otriozola has had an eventful start to the tournament as protagonist: his second league start in Bilbao three weeks ago lasted 19 minutes, his third only two.
Devastated by the loss of Artem Tovbic “due to physical discomfort,” Girona tried to force their sub-game from defense with the blind and recovered Erik Garcia, according to the company's statement. But they faced two obstacles to playing fluently: forward pressure and Real fouls (13 at halftime).
Despite the interruptions in the game and the absence of their '9' with top scorer Jude Bellingham (14), the locals closed the score with a free kick from Viktor Tsyenko and a shot after a great strategy from Aleix Garcia. A corner kick. Alex Remiro, Providential, rejected both clear opportunities.
But the home side began to approach the rival area dangerously, and the third time was a charm, in the 24th minute: Savio Moreira finished a beautiful play down the left flank with a cross and Herrera finished at the far post. But Gil Manzano had the goal disallowed at the request of VAR due to offside in front of Savio.
The decision infuriated Montilvi, as two clearances passed between offside and the goal in just over half a minute by Real in Girona centre.
The visitors also scored a goal in the first half, just after the half-hour mark: Mikel Oyersbaal collected Paulo Gazzaniga's rebound from Bryce Mendes' shot, but he was clearly offside. Already in extra time Blind made a Girona save by deflecting Bryce Mendes' pass, which left Sheraldo Becker alone against Casanica.
La Real took a step forward in search of possession at the start of the second half, impressing Girona's posts: first with Andre Silva's volley to the right, then to the left with Becker's shot leaving the blinders on pace. He injured himself during the shoot and had to be rescued by Barren. Michael Merino also stepped in.
Immanuel's team won the ball and cornered Michel's team, the problems converged and reached three quarters of the field.
Madrid coach Christian Stuani tried to regain control, to alleviate the absence of an attacking note, and Pablo Torre, but Real were still better and almost equalized 0-1: Gazzaniga deflected a free shot by Bryce Mendes. There were 15 minutes left until the 90' and the game was more than open.
Girona thrived in the final half, with both sides having approaches but no goals. Yes, more local anger: a desperate Michel was sent off along with Gil Manzano, and he won't be at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither did Yankel Herrera and Blind as they saw their fifth yellow card. Montelivi ended by singing 'This way, this way, this is how Madrid wins'.
data sheet
0 – Girona FC: Gazzaniga; Yan Kudo, Eric, Blind, Miguel; Aleix Garcia (John Solis, min. 80), Herrera; Tsaigankov (Valery, min. 80), Ivan Martin (Pablo Torre, min. 70), Savio; and Porto (Stuani, min. 70).
0 – Real Sociedad: Alex Remiro; Otriozola (Arampuru, min. 4), Jupeltia, Pacheco, Javi Colon; Becker (Bahrain, min. 52), Zubimendi, Durientes (Merino, min. 52), Bryce Mendes (Olasagasti, min. 87); Andre Silva (Sadic, min. 87) and Oyerzabal.
Referee: Gil Manzano (Team Extremadura). He instructed locals Herrera (min. 88) and Blind (min. 90+7) and visitors Durientes (min. 21), Bryce Mendes (min. 45+1), Imanol Alguacil (min. 45+1) and Jubeldia. (At least 64). He expelled the local coach Michael (m.89).
Events: Matchday 23 of LaLiga EA Sports was played at the Montilivi Municipal Stadium in front of 13,756 fans.
EFE
