Goals: 26. David López, 57. Artem Dovbyk (pen.)
Girona took another step towards Champions League qualification in the 33rd round of LaLiga with a 2-0 win at Las Palmas. The beginning of the match was characterized by unconverted penalty kicks. Already in the eighth minute, Sandro Ramírez threw away his attempt, which was followed up by visiting Artőm Dovbyk. In the Ukrainian’s case, however, his 34-year-old colleague David López was smart, and he netted the winning goal from the subsequent stop. In addition, the best scorer of the competition was given the opportunity to make amends after the change of sides and sealed the victory with his 19th goal of the season, which marked the first away point win for the Gironistes since the end of January.
The newcomer to the competition from Las Palmas fell into a deep game depression at the end of the year, when he fell five times in a row, while scoring only once. However, it didn’t have to bother him too much, because his main goal was to stay in the top Spanish competition, which he practically secured thanks to a fantastic first half of the season. This time, he was facing a duel with Girona, who, after the win over Cádiz, were still on their way to the dream Champions League.
The home team got a huge advantage in the eighth minute in the form of a controversial penalty. Sandro Ramírez set the ball up, but his shot headed for the left post was met by a great save by Paulo Gazzaniga. The Spanish striker had a second chance at the subsequent stoppage, but missed the ball at an important moment. Girona won their penalty kick in the 26th minute, just like on the other side, but Artőm Dovbyk did not convert. However, he needn’t have regretted it, as the onrushing David López sent Gironistes into the lead from a small penalty area. Just before half-time, a cross was sent to Dovbyk, whose shot from close range missed the target.
The Yellow-Blues were chasing an equalizer from the start of the second half. Opponents pressured the goalkeeper from the very start, but Girona was not going to just defend, so another penalty came after one of the home actions in the 57th minute. The goalkeeper again chose the right side, but this time he did not reach Dovbyk’s hard shot. A moment later, Marc Cardona got behind the defense of the red-and-whites, but his attempt with the tip of his boot only hit the running Gazzaniga. For the rest of the encounter, the favorite kept his lead.
Las Palmas did not surprise Girona at home and left the match without a point. Both teams will play another league match on May 4. The yellow-blues will face Real Sociedad, the Blanquivermells will challenge Barcelona.
