Girona, champion of the Catalonia Cup 2024-25 | OneFootball

Girona FC has inscribed its name in the record of the Copa Catalunya for the first time in its history after a very contested final against RCD Espanyol, which was decided on penalties (4-5) at the Nova Creu Alta stadium in Sabadell, in front of 7,804 spectators and under persistent rain. Juan Carlos was the hero of the night with a decisive save in the last shot, achieving a historic title on the day of the Club's 95th anniversary.

From the initial whistle, Girona showed a proactive attitude and wanted to take the initiative. With a more elaborate and combinative game, Míchel's team sought to attack from the wings, especially with the depth of Yaser Asprilla and the mobility of Tsyhankov around a reference point like Stuani. Despite the attempts, they could not break through Fortuño's goal, while Espanyol tried to surprise on the counterattack with Kike García and Puado, without much success against a very secure Gazzaniga.

The match, intense and balanced, took an unexpected turn with the injury of Abel Ruiz, which forced Míchel to bring in Portu.

In the second half, the entry of Juan Carlos was decisive. The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet despite the offensive push from the white-and-blues, highlighting two key saves against Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla. On Girona's side, Joel Roca almost broke the deadlock with a shot that hit the post in the final minutes.

With the persistent 0-0 draw, the final was decided from the penalty spot, according to the tournament's rules. And there, the composure of Girona's penalty takers and the inspiration of Juan Carlos were decisive. Dawda, Miovski, Lass, Antal, and Francés converted their penalties with authority. The last one, by Francés, put all the pressure on Pablo Ramón, who saw Juan Carlos predict the trajectory and block the attempt with a crucial dive.

With the save, euphoria erupted among Girona's players, coaching staff, and fans, who finally lifted a Copa Catalunya in a special year for the club.

Match Details

ESPANYOL, 0 (4): Àngel Fortuño, El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Pol Lozano, Terrats, Rubén Sánchez, Roca, Puado, and Kike García. Also played: Roberto, Pere Milla, Miguel Rubio, Edu Expósito, Jofre Carreras, Pablo Ramón, Salinas, Bauza, Leo Salazar, and Roger Hinojo.

GIRONA, 0 (5): Gazzaniga, Arnau, David López, Krejci, Papa Ba, Solís, Yangel Herrera, Tsygankov, Asprilla, Abel Ruiz, and Stuani. Also played: Juan Carlos, Francés, Antal, Lass, Joel Roca, Jastin, Miovski, Gibert Jordana, and Dawda.

REFEREE: Gonzalo Romero. Booked Bauza (Espanyol); Solís, Jastin (Girona). Sent off Cabrera for throwing a bottle onto the pitch while already on the bench (Espanyol).

Stadium: Nova Creu Alta in Sabadell, 7,804 spectators