First victory of the season at Montilivi | OneFootball

Girona has smiled again after 144 days. Montilivi experienced an afternoon of relief and euphoria with the victory against Valencia (2-1), the first of this season and the one that ends a long drought dating back to the previous campaign, when Míchel's team won in Valladolid. The three points come at a crucial moment and provide fresh air to a team in need of confidence and results.

The match began with an intense, brave, and hungry Girona. The reward came in the 21st minute with an incredible goal by Vanat, who struck an unstoppable shot into the top corner after a loose ball in the area. Montilivi erupted, but nerves quickly appeared: Gazzaniga had to make a great save against Jesús Vázquez, and the first half ended with a Valencia growing in attack but lacking precision.

In the second half, the Valencians stepped up with the introduction of Javi Guerra, who was key in the equalizing play. Diego López headed a cross from Danjuma into the back of the net to level the score. Girona, however, found a response. Arnau was the hero, capitalizing on a rebound from Arrizabalaga to make it 2-1, a goal validated by VAR after a few moments of suspense.

The final stretch was truly nerve-wracking. A second yellow card for Iván Martín left Girona with ten men in the last quarter of an hour, forcing them to defend courageously against a relentless Valencia. Not even the more than eleven minutes of added time broke the resistance of a Girona team that held on with the support of an electrified Montilivi.

The victory is more than symbolic: it is a turning point for a team plagued by absences – up to nine, including Ounahi – and in need of a result to confirm the good feelings from recent matches. The visit to Camp Nou looms on the horizon, but this victory against Valencia allows Girona to look forward with a renewed spirit.