In a match that had everything from goals, VAR drama, missed penalties, and heart-stopping moments, Girona’s quest for their first-ever Champions League win was thwarted by Feyenoord’s resilience and a twist of misfortune. With two own goals turning the tide, Girona’s home ground, Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, witnessed a breathtaking encounter that ended with a 2-3 victory for Feyenoord.
First Half: High Hopes and Early Setbacks
The match kicked off with a lively pace, as Girona looked to make an impression in their second-ever Champions League game. The Spanish side dominated possession early on, driven by the energy of players like Yangel Herrera and Donny van de Beek. Girona’s pressing style paid off when David Lopez fired home a rebound in the 19th minute, sending the home fans into raptures.
However, the lead didn’t last long. In a cruel twist of fate, Yangel Herrera, who had started the game so promisingly, headed the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute while attempting to clear a free-kick. This own goal leveled the score at 1-1, instantly deflating the Montilivi crowd. The VAR drama followed shortly after, with Feyenoord’s second goal undergoing a review before it was confirmed. Antoni Milambo pounced on a neat pass and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Feyenoord a 2-1 lead before the half-hour mark.
Girona’s bad luck continued as Viktor Tsygankov had to be substituted due to injury. The introduction of Arnaut Danjuma looked like a glimmer of hope for Girona, but despite a flurry of chances and van de Beek coming close with a powerful header, Feyenoord’s defense held firm. A penalty for Feyenoord in the 36th minute could have seen them extend their lead, but Ayase Ueda’s weak effort was brilliantly saved by Paulo Gazzaniga, keeping Girona in the match.
Second Half: Late Drama and the Cruelty of Football
The second half began with Feyenoord seemingly content to absorb Girona’s pressure and strike on the counter. It didn’t take long for the drama to continue. Just five minutes after the restart, David Hancko scored an own goal, meaning both teams had now benefited from their opponent’s errors. VAR again stepped in, this time to deny Feyenoord a goal in the 52nd minute, leaving the fans on edge.
Girona, though, refused to give up. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Donny van de Beek received a pinpoint pass from Arnaut Danjuma and calmly slotted the ball past Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, leveling the game at 2-2. It felt like Girona had found a lifeline, with momentum swinging in their favor.
However, the football gods were not on Girona’s side. Just six minutes later, Ladislav Krejci’s unfortunate own goal restored Feyenoord’s lead. It was a bizarre sequence of events that left Girona’s players in disbelief, especially after such a hard-fought comeback.
The final minutes were filled with tension. Cristhian Stuani came close to leveling the match again with a powerful header in the 88th minute, but Feyenoord’s defense held firm, aided by their goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, who had an outstanding game. Despite their best efforts, Girona couldn’t find the equalizer, and as the clock hit 90+7, referee Urs Schnyder blew the final whistle, confirming a dramatic 2-3 win for Feyenoord.
The Positive and Negative Sides of Girona
Girona showed great fighting spirit throughout the match, refusing to let their heads drop despite multiple setbacks. Their ball possession (63%) and the number of goal attempts (14) demonstrated their attacking intent, and Donny van de Beek was a standout performer, not only scoring the equalizer but also showing creativity in midfield. Girona’s pressing game was effective, and they created numerous chances from set-pieces and open play.
However, the team’s defensive fragility was exposed, particularly during set-pieces. The two own goals were a major blow and highlighted a lack of communication and composure under pressure. Their inability to convert penalties and capitalize on their dominance in possession will also be a concern for manager Michel moving forward. Girona’s Champions League inexperience was evident, and the lack of clinical finishing in crucial moments proved costly.
Feyenoord’s Performance: Resilient but Fortunate
On the flip side, Feyenoord will feel fortunate to have come away with all three points. While they had less of the ball (37%) and fewer goal attempts, they capitalized on Girona’s mistakes. Their ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter was effective, and Antoni Milambo’s goal showcased their quality in transition. Timon Wellenreuther, their goalkeeper, was a key figure, making critical saves, including a penalty stop that kept them in the game.
However, Feyenoord’s overall performance was far from perfect. They struggled to retain possession and were often pinned back by Girona’s high press. The number of fouls committed (15) and three yellow cards reflect their desperation at times. Their defensive organization, especially on set-pieces, will need improvement as they progress in the tournament. While they will be happy with the win, Brian Priske’s men cannot afford to rely on luck and own goals in future matches.
Prediction for the Future: What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Girona, this result will be a hard pill to swallow. Despite playing some excellent football, they were undone by individual errors and bad luck. However, if they can tighten up defensively and maintain their attacking intensity, they have the potential to pick up points in the remaining group games. Their home support will be crucial, and with players like van de Beek and Danjuma showing flashes of brilliance, they could still spring a surprise in the competition.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, will take confidence from this result. Winning away from home in the Champions League is always a significant achievement, and they have now put themselves in a strong position in the group. However, they will need to improve their ball retention and defensive discipline if they are to compete with stronger opponents. If they can iron out these issues, Feyenoord has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
Conclusion
This match was a classic Champions League encounter, filled with twists, turns, and dramatic moments. Girona will feel hard done by, but they can take heart from their performance. Feyenoord, meanwhile, will celebrate the victory but know there is work to be done. As the Champions League group stage progresses, both teams will need to build on this experience and learn from their mistakes.
