For the first time in its 93-year history, Girona begins a First League day defending its lead. And he does it, no less, than against Real Madrid, first against second, in a Montilivi stadium (6:30 p.m.) that will be packed, with its 14,400 seats sold out for ten days, to continue enjoying the success of Míchel’s team Sanchez.
“It is a luxury that the world is watching over us,” the Girona coach said in the preview, “very proud” of his players, of the 19 of 21 points they have accumulated, of the six straight victories, which he wants to make seven. against Madrid, with the memory of last year’s 4-2 – with four goals from Taty Castellanos – as an invitation to continue dreaming.
“We have to enjoy the game, knowing that we will also suffer because Madrid is one of the best teams in the world; He is the clear favorite,” admitted Míchel, who recovers playmaker Borja García. Espinosa, Villa, Artero, Roca and Jastin are still out due to injury.
In Girona, no major rotations are expected, only the foreseeable entry of Yan Couto for Arnau Martínez at right back and the probable return to the starting lineup of center back Daley Blind. The Dutchman would leave Èric García, Yangel Herrera or Iván Martín on the bench.
At Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti is chastened from last April’s 4-2 defeat. “We are alerted because of how well Girona plays, not because of what happened last year, with our League over and with other objectives. What happened last season is not going to happen. We have many options to win,” said the Italian.
The coach will not reserve anyone – despite the fact that they play in the Champions League against Naples on Tuesday – and will have Bellingham, Vinícius, Rodrygo and Rüdiger, who had a problem.
