Cristian Portugués, widely known as Portu, made his emotional return to Girona at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, stepping onto the pitch in the 84th minute of a match 10 months after suffering a severe injury that left him sidelined. Entering as a substitute for Carles Pérez, the forward was greeted by more than 10,000 cheering spectators who chanted his name, led by the Jovent Gironí supporters in the south goal sector.
The long absence followed a major injury sustained ten months prior, an ordeal that the player previously described through difficult nights and tears of frustration. Arriving at the club prior to the most successful era in Girona’s history, Portu has remained a foundational figure for the squad. In his first moments back on the pitch, he nearly made an immediate impact, attempting a shot on his second touch of the ball after earlier scoring chances from Abel Ruiz and Donny van de Beek had gone unconverted during the first half.
“You’ve already seen the stands and how Portu connects with people,” Girona manager Quique Álvarez said following the match. “Sometimes we lack a little bit in that aspect, and it’s good to have him back.”
Squad Absences and Treatment Room Updates
While the return of Portu provided a major emotional boost, Girona dealt with a mounting injury list that left the squad heavily depleted. Midfielder Fran Beltrán and veteran striker Cristhian Stuani were forced to miss the match due to physical discomfort, extending the club’s list of unavailable players to roughly a dozen.
Addressing the fitness status of his players, Álvarez detailed the nature of their respective setbacks. “I’m not a doctor, but Stuani has a small adductor injury,” the manager stated. “It’s not major, but right now I don’t know how long we’ll lose him for. It’s not serious, but it will depend on how it evolves.”
Regarding Beltrán, who picked up discomfort during a prior fixture against Cádiz involving his calf, the coaching staff opted to exercise caution. “We didn’t want to take risks,” Álvarez added. “With him, we are more optimistic and we’ll see if we can have him available against Mallorca.”
New Additions Step Into the Fold
The fixture also marked the debut appearances for new squad members Unai Hernández and Mateu Morey. Both players arrived late in the transfer cycle, which created initial hurdles regarding their physical conditioning.
“Both of them arrived late and it has cost them to get up to speed physically,” Álvarez noted. “They have to help us.”
With Portu back in rotation and the club managing a crowded recovery room, Girona turns its focus toward upcoming league fixtures as the team pursues promotion under Álvarez.
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