We will never forget
Girona beat Barça with an exhibition by Portu to seal a historic Champions League qualification (4-2)
Girona 4-2 Barça: We are in Champions!
Girona experienced the most magical evening in the club's 93-year history today, and the Champions League is here! In a game that was a rollercoaster of emotions, Míchel Sánchez's men completed a crazy final stretch, pushed on by a Montilivi stadium dressed to the nines, and managed to come from behind against Barça with three almost consecutive goals. An idyllic qualification that will be remembered forever, accompanied by the fans and with a great match as a reflection of the team's great season.
Dovbyk's quick reaction
The game started in the worst possible way. Only three minutes had been played and Christensen found space on the edge of the area to fire in a powerful cross-shot that left Montilivi frozen. The team's reaction was immediate, and in the next action Dovbyk was already celebrating the equaliser. Iván Martín attacked the gap between centre-back and full-back, cut inside the area and crossed to the far post for the giant Ukrainian to rise and head the ball into the back of the net. The early equaliser was key and, indeed, Tsygankov came close a few minutes later to scoring the second, only for Ter Stegen to deny him. The early tempo was very high, with both sides finding alternatives.
Arteeeeeeeeeeeeem! 😍#GironaBarça | #LaLigaHighlights | @LaLiga pic.twitter.com/0DgVHSLoDm
— Girona FC (@GironaFC) May 4, 2024
Gazzaniga's vital saves
In an open game with chances for both sides, Gazzaniga was also instrumental in preventing Barça from striking again. The goalkeeper saved a Christensen header on the line, and also made a superb save from a Gündogan header from close range. Just before half-time, however, Lamine Yamal won a penalty that Lewandowski converted to put the visitors back in front.
Portu unleashes madness
The start of the second half had a blue and blue colour and the Girona side were able to resist the most complicated phase of the match. Gazzaniga appeared again, and the defensive commitment of the whole team was fundamental to maintain the chances of turning the score around. Girona held on and were lethal in the first clear chance they had. Dovbyk took advantage of a bad back pass from Barça and set up Portu, who equalised and completely changed the script of the game. A minute later, in the next attack, it was Portu's turn again, who set up Miguel to finish inside the area with a bit of luck. The madness was consummated in the 74th minute when, after an incredible nine minutes, Portu took the ball first time and converted a goal that made the whole stadium erupt. The player from Murcia changed the game with his entrance onto the pitch and ended up guiding Girona towards the Champions League.
𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀, 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒’ 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ✨🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/0UXV5PLPp8
— Girona FC (@GironaFC_Engl) May 4, 2024
"This victory allows us to consecrate a marvellous league"
Portu has become the hero of the victory. He equalised the game when the team needed it most, assisted for the third and finished it off with a great goal. At the end of the game, he praised the good work of the group throughout the season to be able to live this moment. ‘I wouldn't have scored the two goals if we weren't a family. Today has shown that we are and that if you believe, you can do it’.