Girona: La Liga surprise package reclaims top spot from fellow title contenders Real Madrid after humongous 3-0 victory over Alaves

Girona have proved their mettle once again in the Spanish domestic circuit as they eased past a struggling Alaves side 3-0 to reclaim the pilot position from fellow title counterparts Real Madrid. Artem Dobvyk and Portu were on target for the Catalan side, as after flurry of opportunities, they scored thrice to seal the fate of the game.

Girona- Emulating Leicester City from 2015/16 Premier League edition

Girona has been outstanding this season, as they have once again showcased their class in last night’s game against lowly Alaves. The Catalan side, lead by the strict vigil of Michel, coupled with the exuberance of Dobvyk, Stuani, Portu and Garcia among the rest, have been on the driver’s seas since the beginning of this season. They have surpassed defending champions FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and have etched their names in the history books by presenting themselves as one of the strong title contenders of La Liga. To add to their brilliance, it would also be seen that they have mauled reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona 4-2 in their own den (Estadi Olimpic), and have went on to achieve several laurels to their name this season.

With their heroic extravaganza, a football fan would definitely reminisce another fairytale story like this which happened few years ago in the Premier League- when Leicester City got past all the ‘big six’ in the English side to lift their maiden EPL trophy, a laurel which would always remain etched in the history of Foxes. Thus, Girona is well en route to emulate their feat and might go on to win the La Liga, provided no miracles happen, or their fates turn upside down.

Defeats Alaves to go on top

Girona had imagined a perfect Christmas gift if they defeated relegation contenders Alaves, which would take them to the top of La Liga, steering two points clear of Real Madrid and nine points clear of defending champions FC Barcelona, who are currently undergoing a rough patch, with no wins in three games over last weekend.

At the start, it was controlled well by fairytale scripters Girona who were keeping the ball to themselves and going for the run whenever required. But Alaves striker Samu Omorodion almost got an early chance to go ahead at the beginning, when his headed effort was squandered, thus leaving Samu lamenting with the missed chance, but thereafter, it was all Girona.

Yan Couto was utilizing his runs across the wings very swiftly, with a flurry of opportunities coming his way. After several efforts, his ball bounced at Alaves penalty area which was almost saved by custodian Sivera, but Ukrainian star Dobvyk was the fastest to grab the rebound, going for the goal and opening the score within 25 minutes.

Portu was the second on strike before half-time, while Sivera cut the ball back to Ruben Duarte, before sizing up to Portu at the edge of the box. He struck beautifully with a curling effort going past Sivera, leaving him very little chance with Alaves hapless with throng of attacks coming their way.

Dobvyk reaches double figures

As the second half commenced, it was Dobvyk who grabbed the third goal of the night, with him registering his brace, as he racked up double figures of goals with a spot-kick. As the clock went past 50 minutes, Girona was awarded a penalty and Dobvyk stepped up quite efficiently to score his 10th goal of the season, thus joining Borja Mayoral in joint-second of the Pichichi race following Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

Although Barca loanee Pablo Torre sprang upon Alaves defense with his swift movements, he could not make into the score sheet. But, Couto’s limping off gingerly at the end of the match might raise some eyebrows for Michel, but, overall, it was hands-down one of the dominating performances from his side, as they would look to maintain their winning streak, which could help them maintain a perfect top spot into the New Year.