Date: May 13, 2025

Competition: La Liga – Matchday 36

Venue: Estadio José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain

Attendance: 12,664

In a crucial encounter at the Estadio José Zorrilla, Girona clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Valladolid, thanks to a late goal by veteran striker Cristhian Stuani. This win significantly boosts Girona’s hopes of remaining in La Liga, while Valladolid’s struggles continue at the bottom of the table.

Match Overview

The match was a tense affair, with both teams aware of the stakes involved. Girona, aiming to distance themselves from the relegation zone, and Valladolid, desperate to salvage their season, engaged in a closely contested battle. The first half saw limited clear-cut chances, with both defenses holding firm.

Key Moments

• 80′ – Goal: Cristhian Stuani (Girona) – Assisted by David López. Stuani capitalized on a well-delivered set-piece to head home the decisive goal.
• 86′ – Save: Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona) – Made a crucial save to deny Valladolid an equalizer.
• 90+7′ – Offside: Anuar Tuhami (Valladolid) – Caught offside in the dying moments, nullifying a potential chance.

Match Statistics

• Possession: Valladolid 47.4% – 52.6% Girona
• Shots on Target: Valladolid 4 – 5 Girona
• Total Shots: Valladolid 11 – 13 Girona
• Corners: Valladolid 6 – 4 Girona
• Saves: Valladolid 4 – 4 Girona
• Yellow Cards: None

Player Highlights

Cristhian Stuani (Girona): The 38-year-old striker showcased his experience and composure, coming off the bench to net the match-winning goal. This marks his 10th goal of the season, with four in his last five appearances.

Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona): The goalkeeper was instrumental in preserving Girona’s lead, making several key saves, including a vital stop in the 86th minute.

Post-Match Reactions

Girona’s head coach, Míchel, praised Stuani’s impact, stating, “Stuani is a phenomenon; even at 38, he continues to deliver when it matters most.” He also acknowledged the team’s collective effort in securing the win.

On the other hand, Valladolid’s manager expressed disappointment, noting, “We created opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. It’s a tough loss, but we must regroup for the remaining fixtures.”

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Implications for the Standings

With this victory, Girona moves up to 13th place in the La Liga standings, amassing 41 points and virtually securing their top-flight status for next season. Conversely, Valladolid remains at the bottom with 16 points, facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Valladolid: vs Alavés – May 18, 2025
• Girona: vs Real Sociedad – May 18, 2025

The upcoming matches are crucial for both teams. Girona will aim to maintain their momentum, while Valladolid must secure a win to keep their survival hopes alive.

Conclusion

The Valladolid vs Girona clash highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two sides. Girona’s resilience and Stuani’s decisive goal have put them in a favorable position, while Valladolid’s woes deepen. As the season nears its end, every point becomes vital in the battle for survival.