You can call them minnows all you want, and they won’t hold a grudge – because it’s true. But the way Girona have been playing this season demands that you show them respect. The red-and-whites of Catalonia host the red-and-whites of Madrid tonight in the most intriguing matchups of the new year.If the team managed by Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz, better known simply as Michel, remains determined to break records and make history tonight, they will face a rival they have never beaten: Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s Los Colchoneros are undoubtedly kryptonite for Girona because, in six matches, the balance is discouraging for the Catalan side: three draws and three defeats. Atletico Madrid is among the ‘untouchables’ for Girona. They have faced them more times without securing a victory, just like Real Sociedad (five draws and two defeats) and Betis (two draws and five losses).##NAJAVA_MECA_7775943##But this season’s Girona is very different. Míchel seems to have found the key to overcoming any obstacle, however challenging. The proof is that they had never beaten Barcelona before, yet they managed to do so on December 10th (2-4). Girona displayed an associative style of football that dismantled Barcelona, and their striking was devastating. Their history books include important victories against teams such as Real Madrid (against whom they have celebrated three wins), Athletic Bilbao (three), Valencia (three), and Sevilla (four). Atletico Madrid will test their resilience tonight at Estadio Montilivi. However, there is a concern about the fact Girona is playing at home tonight because home comforts haven’t been a part of their remarkable campaign.Michel (Girona coach): “Are we candidates to win La Liga? No, no, we must reach 90 points, which is a large number. Our goal is Europe, and I believe that Real Madrid, Atletico, and Barcelona are candidates to win the league, and we are not.” pic.twitter.com/iFtOcNfJ8q— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 2, 2024 Girona has an outstanding season, having collected 45 points out of 54 possible. These have been secured in the following way: 22 at Montilivi and 23 away from home. The team has managed to smile, albeit slightly more on their travels than at home. While away from Montilivi, they’ve been undefeated (seven victories and two draws). At home, they have dropped five points. Three were taken by Real Madrid (0-3), and two slipped away due to the draw against Athletic Bilbao (1-1). Tonight, Girona returns to Montilivi, and a festive atmosphere awaits them because the ‘sold out’ sign for this match has been hanging for weeks. With all tickets sold, the attendance will exceed 13,000 spectators, a more than usual figure for this season, witnessed in games against Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Valencia. Montilivi is eagerly anticipating Girona’s return and hosting Atletico, who have suffered three away defeats in the league (against Las Palmas, Barcelona, and Athletic Bilbao).LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 19TuesdayGetafe – Rayo Vallecano 0-2 (0-1)/Camello 45+1, 47/Real Sociedad – Alaves 1-1 (0-0)/Zubimendi 90+6 – Rioja 76 pen/Valencia – Villarreal 3-1 (2-0)/Yaremchuk 4, Pepelu 27 pen, 57 pen – Moreno 73/Wednesday19.00: (2.35) Granada (3.30) Cadiz (3.40)21.15: (2.50) Celta (3.40) Betis (3.00)21.15: (1.25) Real Madrid (5.70) Mallorca (13.0)23.30: (2.60) Girona (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.85)Thursday19.00: (1.75) Osasuna (3.70) Almeria (5.40)21.15: (3.20) Sevilla (3.45) Ath.Bilbao (2.35)23.30: (6.00) Las Palmas (4.00) Barcelona (1.57)***odds are subject to change***
