In a tense La Liga clash, Girona faced Alaves on April 5, 2025, with both teams desperate for points as the season enters its final stretch. The match kicked off at 15:00 Kyiv time, and fans were eager to see if Girona could break their winless streak against a struggling Alaves side.
Recent form indicated a challenging situation for Girona, who had not won in their last seven matches, suffering four defeats and drawing three. This disappointing run left the team sitting in 13th place with 34 points, just seven points clear of the relegation zone. Alaves, on the other hand, was even more precariously positioned, occupying 17th place in the standings with 27 points, having secured only one victory in their last ten outings.
As the teams lined up, there was a notable absence in Girona's starting eleven. Ukrainian midfielder Viktor Tsyhankov, who had last started on January 26 against Rayo, found himself unexpectedly on the bench alongside Vladislav Krapivtsov. Girona's head coach, Michel, seemed to be applying rotation in a bid to find the right combination to snap their winless streak.
The starting lineup for Girona featured Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, supported by a defense of Alejandro Frances, Daley Blind, Ladislav Krejci, and Miguel Gutierrez. The midfield was anchored by Oriol Romeu and Yanhel Herrera, with Donny van de Beek, Yaser Asprilla, and Arno Danjuma providing support to forward Abel Ruiz.
Alaves responded with a lineup that included Antonio Sivera in goal, shielded by a backline of Kevin Garcia, Manuel Sanchez, Moussa Diarra, and Abdel Abqar. The midfield featured Antonio Blanco and Jon Guridi, while Carlos Vicente and Santiago Mourino led the attack.
The match started with both teams testing each other's defenses, but it was Alaves who struck first. In the 61st minute, Carlos Vicente, the 25-year-old forward, found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the match. This goal proved crucial, as it not only secured the victory for Alaves but also deepened Girona's woes.
Despite Girona's attempts to respond, including the introduction of Tsyhankov in the 68th minute, they struggled to break down a resolute Alaves defense. With the match winding down, Girona's frustrations grew as they failed to convert their possession into meaningful chances.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreline read Girona 0, Alaves 1. The victory lifted Alaves to 30 points, providing them with a much-needed boost as they fight to avoid relegation. Girona, meanwhile, remained stagnant at 34 points, with their winless streak extending to eight matches.
Post-match analysis revealed that Girona's defensive frailties were once again exposed, and questions arose about the team's direction under Michel's management. The coach had previously led Girona to a successful season, but the current campaign had seen a significant drop in form, prompting speculation about potential changes ahead.
In the aftermath of the match, Alaves' coach Eduardo Coudet expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed resilience today, and Carlos' goal was a testament to our hard work. We need to build on this momentum moving forward." Coudet's comments reflected the optimism within the Alaves camp as they look to secure their place in La Liga.
Conversely, Girona's Michel faced tough questions during the post-match press conference. "We need to regroup and focus on the next match. The players must believe in themselves and work harder to turn this around," he remarked, acknowledging the pressure mounting on his squad.
The result has significant implications for both teams. For Alaves, the win is a crucial step toward safety, while Girona must find a way to regain their form quickly to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. With several key players injured, including Javi Hernandez, Borja Garcia, Valery, Yan Couto, and Joel Roca for Girona, the upcoming fixtures will be critical.
Looking ahead, Girona will need to address their scoring issues and tighten their defense if they hope to return to winning ways. The pressure is on as they prepare for their next outing, and fans will be watching closely to see if the team can finally break their winless streak.
As for Alaves, they will aim to build on this victory and continue their fight for survival in La Liga. With a renewed sense of confidence, they could prove to be a difficult opponent for any team in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the match between Girona and Alaves highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both clubs as the La Liga season progresses. With the relegation battle heating up, every point will be vital in the weeks to come, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on their upcoming fixtures.
