By Milcah Tanimu
In a remarkable display of prowess, Girona, the underdog of LaLiga, continued their impressive run by clinching a dominant 3-0 victory over Alaves on Monday. Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk played a pivotal role, scoring twice and contributing to Girona’s ascent to the top of the LaLiga standings.
Girona’s Cinderella story unfolded further as they overtook Real Madrid, claiming the coveted top spot with 44 points, two ahead of the traditional powerhouse, and boasting a significant nine-point lead over last season’s champions, Barcelona.
The Catalan side’s recent triumph over Barcelona, a 4-2 statement victory, marked a historic milestone, and they sustained their momentum against Alaves. Dovbyk initiated the scoring in the 23rd minute with a close-range strike from a goalkeeper rebound, setting the tone for Girona’s dominance. Portu extended their lead just before halftime with a skillful first-time effort from the edge of the box.
Girona showcased the same intensity that has characterized their season, with the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in September standing out as their only significant setback. Notably, the majority of their scoring opportunities originated from the right side, where 21-year-old Brazilian fullback Yan Couto exhibited speed and skill, troubling Alaves’ defense.
In the 59th minute, Couto’s dynamic play led to a penalty, converted with precision by Dovbyk, securing the 3-0 triumph. This victory marked Girona’s 14th in 17 games, granting them the highest number of wins and points across Europe’s top five leagues at this stage of the season.
The team’s incredible run has sparked discussions about their potential to contend for a maiden title, a remarkable feat just two seasons after their promotion to the top flight. Portu emphasized the team’s hunger for success, stating, “The team wants more, and we only think day-to-day about continuing.” He highlighted the team’s unwavering focus and determination, acknowledging the challenges that come with success but expressing confidence in their ability to handle the pressure.
Girona’s unexpected ascent to the LaLiga summit has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts, adding an exciting narrative to the current season.
