Girona are having a sensational season – and showed it again on Monday evening. The La Liga leaders were superior in every respect against Alaves and ran out deserved 3-0 winners
Girona are no longer a surprise team; coach Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz’s side have been too solid and consistent this season, as demonstrated by their 4-2 win over FC Barcelona last week. Prior to Monday’s match, last year’s tenth-placed team had won nine of their last ten competitive matches, including a 1-1 draw against Bilbao. Girona’s last defeat came at Real Madrid (0:3) at the end of September.
But another defeat was not to be, as the La Liga leaders clearly lived up to their role as favorites against Alaves. Girona took a fully deserved lead in the 23rd minute when Dovbyk headed in a rebound from five meters.
Overall, it was a first half with few chances, in which the home side had everything under control. Defensively, Girona conceded virtually nothing and offensively, the home side were extremely efficient in the style of a top team. Shortly before the break, Yan Couto laid the ball back to Portu, who made it 2:0 (42′).
Yan Couto’s third assist – Dovbyk very casually
The picture was the same after the break: Girona were superior and had everything under control. Defensively, the home side were never in danger at any time and the home side repeatedly made their mark going forward. Yan Couto, who was in excellent form that evening, was unstoppable for the visitors. The winger won a penalty after a good solo run, as Javi Lopez could only stop him with a foul. Dovbyk casually slotted the penalty into the middle of the net to complete his brace (59′). Yan Couto was thus directly involved in all three goals.
The game was of course decided and Girona recorded their tenth win from their last eleven games. The hosts thus defended first place in Spain. On Sunday evening, the Whites had temporarily overtaken Villarreal again with a 4-1 win.
Girona continue their campaign on Thursday (7pm) when they visit Real Betis in Sevilla. Then there are a few days off in Spain, but the 19th matchday is already scheduled for the first week of January. The leaders await Atletico Madrid on January 3 (9.30pm).
