Girona enters a critical phase of the 2026 La Liga season, facing Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Montilivi on Saturday. After a strong start to the year under coach Míchel, transforming a team once mired in relegation trouble into a competitive force, Girona’s recent form has stalled. The tight league standings mean this match is pivotal, determining whether Girona can challenge for European qualification or face a battle to avoid relegation.
Girona began 2026 impressively, with Míchel seemingly unlocking the team’s potential. A three-game winning streak against Mallorca, Osasuna, and Espanyol propelled them up the table. Still, a recent lack of goals – a recurring issue earlier in the season alongside defensive vulnerabilities, now largely addressed – has hampered their progress.
The team has secured only one victory in their last seven matches, making the visit of Athletic Bilbao a decisive moment as they enter the final third of the season. Girona currently finds itself equidistant (six points) from seventh-placed Espanyol and 18th-placed Mallorca, leaving them at a crossroads. They must decide which direction they will push towards, knowing upcoming fixtures against Villarreal, Real Madrid, and Real Betis will present significant challenges.
Míchel Considering Lineup Changes
To reignite their form, coach Míchel is reportedly considering significant changes to the starting eleven, potentially including the return of Azzedine Ounahi. The Moroccan midfielder raised concerns during the recent draw against Levante with discomfort felt in training, forcing him to play below his usual level. However, he has recovered well this week and is expected to feature, particularly given the absence of Bryan Gil on the left wing. This potential change comes after Echeverri failed to capitalize on his opportunity in the previous match.
Ounahi’s return may not be the only alteration. Míchel is also preparing to reinstate Àlex Moreno at left-back following his recovery from injury. This could shift Arnau Martínez to the right flank, potentially at the expense of Hugo Rincón, who is facing his parent club, Athletic Bilbao, and has reportedly struggled defensively. Another expected change will be in central defense, with Vitor Reis suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, opening the door for Francés.
Athletic Bilbao’s Own Struggles
Athletic Bilbao are also experiencing a dip in form, having gone three games without a win, including their elimination from the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals. Ernesto Valverde’s side are now focused solely on La Liga and aiming to secure a European qualification spot. However, their historical record at Montilivi is poor, with two defeats and a draw against Míchel’s Girona.
The match takes on added significance for both teams as they navigate a congested league table. Girona’s ability to rediscover their early-season form will be crucial, while Athletic Bilbao will be eager to break their losing streak and solidify their European ambitions. The outcome at Montilivi could significantly impact both teams’ trajectories for the remainder of the season.
Girona’s recent struggles highlight a broader trend in La Liga, where consistency is proving elusive for many teams. The league’s competitiveness means that even a little dip in form can have significant consequences, and this weekend’s match promises to be a tense and closely contested affair.
The game is scheduled for 14:00 local time at Estadi Montilivi.
Fans can follow live updates and analysis from Archysport throughout the match, as well as post-match reaction and analysis. The result will undoubtedly have ramifications for both teams as they head into a crucial period of the season.
Related reading
