Girona's Back-to-Back Victories Provide Oxygen in Survival Fight
Míchel's men breathe easier after consecutive wins against relegation rivals, finishing the first half of the season outside the drop zone despite early struggles.
Battling against the drop and now finally showing their mettle, Girona have given themselves a fighting chance of survival with crucial consecutive victories.
Climbing Out of Danger
The Catalan outfit have managed to haul themselves out of the relegation zone at the halfway point of the season – no small feat considering they’ve spent a whopping 16 matchdays in the drop zone’s hot seats. After collecting just a single point from their opening five fixtures, finishing the first half with 21 points represents a proper achievement for Míchel’s squad.
These back-to-back wins against direct rivals Mallorca and Osasuna have been absolute gold dust, helping repair a dicey situation that’s been hanging over them since August. Montilivi has become something of a fortress lately – just one defeat in their last seven home matches after losing their first three against Rayo, Sevilla and Levante.
Historical Context
This first half of the season matches Girona’s worst Primera División points haul since their return to the top flight under Míchel in the 2022/23 campaign. It’s a far cry from last season’s historic achievements when they:
- Racked up a stunning 48 points in the first half
- Finished third in La Liga
- Qualified for the Champions League
Their previous Primera seasons ended with varying fortunes:
- 2017/18: 26 points
- 2018/19: 24 points (ended in relegation)
- 2024/25: 28 points
Witsel Woes
Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel missed the Osasuna clash with a soleus injury – becoming the umpteenth Girona player to suffer this specific leg problem this season. His absence leaves him doubtful for Friday’s Catalan derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
Witsel had been a mainstay in Míchel’s lineup, starting all 15 matches he’d been available for and even scoring a “right Bobby Dazzler” of a bicycle kick at Montjuïc in the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.
His absence, coupled with Solís being granted leave to sort out his future (reportedly with Mexican side Tigres), left Míchel’s midfield looking proper thin on the ground. The versatile Arnau Martínez stepped in alongside Iván Martín in the gaffer’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation.