Girona struck two late goals to clinch victory against league leaders Espanyol in a dramatic Catalan derby played on Friday night at the RCDE Stadium.
Espanyol seemed to be heading for a fifth consecutive win at home after Raul De Tomas opened the scoring. But Edgar Barcenas’ wonderful late goal brought Girona level, before Samu Saiz converted an 88th minute penalty to end Girona’s run of four games without a win.
This triumph, which lifts them from 16th to eighth, was reward for a spirited and resilient performance despite of a long list of absentees: Jonas Ramalho and top scorer Mamadou Sylla were suspended, and the following players were all out injured: Cristhian Stuani, Aday Benitez, Juanpe Ramirez, Valery Fernandez and Nahuel Bustos.
The first half was a fairly tame contest with few chances. Adri Embarba fired a free kick wide for the hosts before Saiz tamely squandered an opportunity after a Girona counter attack.
On 27 minutes De Tomas was denied by goalkeeper Juan Carlos, but the former Rayo Vallecano striker broke through five minutes before half time to score his eighth goal of the season. Adri Embarba provided the cross from the right, De Tomas beat the offside trap perfectly before controlling on his chest and calmly side-footing Espanyol into the lead. Of Espanyol’s last nine goals De Tomas and Embarba have now contributed all nine goals plus five assists.
After half time Girona continued to play with belief, holding 52% of possession over the course of the game. Of Francisco’s starting XI five players were 22 or younger, including Alex Pachon making his first league appearance for the club; and two 18 year olds on loan from Manchester City: Yan Couto and Pablo Moreno.
Espanyol had only conceded one goal at home all season, and Girona were struggling to penetrate. Pachon was unable to finish a one-on-one having strayed offside, before Saiz fired wide from the edge of the box.
Vicente Moreno sent on Javi Puado who immediately headed at Juan Carlos, before top scorer De Tomas almost latched on to an Embarba cross just after the hour mark.
Espanyol were aiming for a ninth win of the season and Puado could have wrapped up the points with eight minutes to play, but he was foiled by Juan Carlos in what proved to be a pivotal moment.
Just a minute later Girona’s Panamanian winger Edgar Barcenas danced in from the right flank before arcing a glorious shot into the bottom corner. Girona were level and dreaming of clinching a third win from three visits to the RCDE Stadium.
Five minutes after their equaliser young Uruguayan defender Santi Bueno drew a foul from his compatriot Leandro Cabrera, and referee Jose Antonio Lopez Toca pointed to the penalty spot.
Diego Lopez had conceded a late penalty against Fuenlabrada last week, and once again he was beaten from 12 yards with Saiz registering his first goal of the season.
Girona held for an unexpected and dramatic victory which was passionately celebrated at full time. Next they host Malaga on Tuesday, whilst Espanyol will play away at Leganes on Thursday.
Images from AS and La Vanguardia
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