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Capricious destiny united Rayo Vallecano and Girona in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in Montilivi. Two acquaintances with coaches who have lived in both houses, a red thread that unites Míchel and Francisco. A repeated meeting – they faced each other in the same round of the competition two years ago – but with a result that prolongs Girona’s voracious football wave: Cristhian Stuani captained the victory (3-1) against Rayo that allowed them to advance to the quarterfinals second time in its history.
3
Juan Carlos, Miguel Gutierrez, Arnau Martinez (Yan Couto, min. 45), Daley Blind, Juanpe (Antal Yaakobishvili, min. 45), Tsygankov (Valery Fernández, min. 60), Yangel Herrera (Aleix García, min. 60) , Sávio, Jhon Solís, Portu and Stuani
1
Daniel Cárdenas, Martín, Josep Chavarría, Abdul Mumin, Andrei Ratiu, Unai López, Isi (Álvaro García, min. 66), Óscar Valentín (Jose Pozo, min. 82), De Tomás (Trejo, min. 66), De Frutos (Falcao, min. 75) and Nteka
Goals 1-0 min. 14: Stuani. 2-0 min. 18: Stuani. 3-0 min. 26: Daley Blind. 3-1 min. 35: Sell.
Referee Jorge Figueroa Vázquez
Nteka yellow cards (min. 47)
Míchel, between losses and the need to escape from the stumble with Almería in the League, came out with an eleven more than a starter with seven changes compared to the initial team from the last draw against the bottom of the domestic competition, while Francisco only presented two variations. The atmosphere was cold, and had nothing to do with the weather: the worst attendance of the season was recorded with 7,911 spectators.
But it did not prevent the victory of the local team. Girona advanced from behind confidently, focused on dominating the ball against Rayo’s closed defense that countered and repelled Savinho’s crosses, and Cárdenas who rejected Tsygankov’s shots. The dangerous possession of Míchel’s team predicted the result. All that was left was to find the experience of a well-known Uruguayan captain who, despite losing minutes, does not forget what he likes to do most: score. A filtered ball from Tsyganokov found Portu’s clearance to set up Stuani’s goal. But there was more for him: Mumin made a mistake and cursed himself when he gave away a penalty that Stuani scored like Panenka. The veteran did not get tired, and he continued looking for the hat-trick along with the frenetic momentum of the entire team. Portu, present in both goals, once again imposed his presence and left a perfect shot for Blind, smiling after scoring the third in the temple of the league leader.
Hunger was insufficient for Girona, and Montilivi was euphoric. El Rayo was sinking before the debauchery of the revelation team of the season. Neither Chavarría nor De Frutos’ headers found Juan Carlos’ goal. But Solís missed the ball and Nteka, with a cross shot, put some life on the scoreboard for his team.
The atmosphere became heated, and Stuani and Nteka pushed each other until they were reprimanded. Rayo came out stronger in the second half, especially from behind, and forced Girona’s errors, getting closer to the goal with more attempts by Nteka. Although, attentive, they did not let themselves be fooled, and continued trying to increase the difference in an intense fight to regain total control of the ball. Girona held on, with a little more suffering due to lack of ball, and was close to scoring the fourth goal until the final whistle.
Míchel had no compassion for his former team, and he forgot about any past romance. Follow the unstoppable path of Girona. After reigning in the League, the path to the throne in the Copa del Rey is increasingly clear.
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2024-01-17 22:52:54
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