Girona’s Equaliser Denies Valencia Crucial Three Points in LaLiga Draw

The recent LaLiga clash at Estadi Montilivi ended in a 1-1 stalemate between Girona and a Valencia side battling to avoid relegation, leaving Los Ches still on the hunt for their first away league victory this season (D7, L7).

Girona had not tasted victory since early February (D2, L3), yet the Blanquivermells managed to carve out the first opportunity of the match just before the 15-minute mark.

Bojan Miovski found himself in disbelief, sending his shot high into the stands when it seemed easier to score with only Giorgi Mamardashvili to beat.

This near miss sparked Valencia into action, with Umar Sadiq’s powerful attempt in the 23rd minute forcing a stunning one-handed save from Paulo Gazzaniga.

At the other end, Arthur Melo came close to scoring with an exquisite strike from distance; however, the Juventus loanee’s effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

As the first half concluded without a goal, Girona came out strongly after the break but were denied by Mamardashvili, who expertly stopped Arnau Martinez’s close-range header from sneaking in.

This save would prove crucial, as shortly after, Dimitri Foulquier’s dynamic run down the right led to him setting up Diego Lopez, who slotted the ball into the back of the net, giving the visitors the lead in the 58th minute.

Valencia, however, responded quickly, leveling the score just six minutes later.

After making an impact as a substitute last week against Espanyol with a late equaliser from the penalty spot, club captain Cristhian Stuani did it once more, coming off the bench to score another equaliser.

In the 72nd minute, Arnaut Danjuma nearly turned the game on its head with a spectacular effort from a tight angle, but Mamardashvili was equal to the task, expertly diverting the shot around the post.

The Georgian goalkeeper continued to display his talent, denying Yaser Asprilla’s attempt and securing a point for his struggling team.

This draw leaves Girona positioned comfortably in mid-table, seven points adrift of the top six and the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Valencia find themselves just one point above the drop zone in 16th place.