Stuani's penalty streak ends after three years: 'I'll try again'
Girona's penalty specialist Cristhian Stuani misses his first spot-kick in over three years against Sevilla, but remains undeterred despite the costly error.
Girona’s penalty maestro Cristhian Stuani had his rare moment of mortality from the spot as he missed his first penalty in over three years, but the Uruguayan veteran isn’t about to go hiding after the setback.
The Rare Miss
The Girona legend was called upon in the 96th minute to deliver what would have been a dramatic victory away at Sevilla - precisely the sort of moment he’s built his reputation on. But this time, Vlachodimos played the hero, denying Stuani and preserving a point for the home side.
The numbers tell the story of just how unusual this miss was:
- Stuani has taken 29 penalties in La Liga
- He’s converted an impressive 27 of them
- His only previous miss came back in October 2022 against Almería
- That’s a conversion rate north of 93% - proper Bobby Dazzler numbers from the spot
Unshaken Confidence
Rather than duck the issue, Stuani took to social media after the match with a message that shows why he’s earned his status at the Catalan club:
“If there’s one thing I’m sure of, I’ll try again,” the Uruguayan posted, acknowledging the miss but refusing to let it define him.
Míchel’s Unwavering Trust
Girona manager Míchel wasn’t having any second thoughts about his penalty taker selection either. The gaffer made it crystal clear that Stuani remains his go-to man from twelve yards:
“If I have to bet on someone to score a penalty, it’s Stuani. Today it wasn’t to be,” Míchel explained post-match.
Teammate Lemar echoed those sentiments, noting that Stuani “normally never misses” and that the squad would “hold our heads high and continue on our path.”
For a Girona side still exceeding all expectations this season, this rare penalty miss is just a small bump in what’s been an otherwise fairytale campaign. You’d be brave to bet against Stuani burying the next one when his moment comes again.