In another captivating chapter of their Cinderella story, Girona, led by Ukraine forward Artem Dovbyk, secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Alaves on Monday, propelling them to the top of the LaLiga standings. This remarkable achievement comes just days after their historic 4-2 win over Barcelona, solidifying Girona’s position as the surprise package of the LaLiga season.
With 44 points, Girona now stands alone at the summit of the standings, two points ahead of Real Madrid and an impressive nine points clear of last season’s champions, Barcelona, currently in third place.
Girona’s stunning start to the LaLiga season has been characterized by resilience and determination, with their only notable setback being a 3-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid in late September. Their recent triumph over Barcelona marked their first-ever league win against their Catalan rivals, setting the stage for their continued success against Alaves.
Artem Dovbyk, the Ukrainian forward, played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring twice to cement Girona’s dominance. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a rebound from the goalkeeper with a clinical close-range strike. Portu extended Girona’s lead just before halftime, showcasing skill and precision with a fine first-time effort from the edge of the box.
The hosts’ attacking prowess was evident on the right side, where 21-year-old Brazilian fullback Yan Couto impressed with his speed and skill. Couto’s dynamic play resulted in a penalty in the 59th minute, as he was fouled from behind in the box. Dovbyk calmly converted the penalty with a tidy finish down the middle, sealing the 3-0 victory.
Girona’s remarkable run includes 14 wins in 17 games, making them the team with the most wins and points in Europe’s top five leagues at this stage of the season. Their unexpected success has ignited hopes of a title challenge, a remarkable feat for a team that earned promotion to the top flight just two seasons ago.
Portu, reflecting on the team’s hunger and focus, emphasized their day-to-day approach to maintaining success. “The team wants more, and we only think day to day about continuing,” he stated. The challenge for Girona now lies in handling the increased pressure that comes with success, but Portu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to stay focused and maintain their exceptional form.
As Girona continues to defy expectations, their pursuit of a maiden LaLiga title adds a captivating narrative to the ongoing football season.
