Girona’s quest for La Liga glory continued as they reclaimed their top position with a convincing 3-0 victory over visiting side Alaves, concluding Matchday 17 of the Spanish football league.
Girona secured the lead in the first half with two impressive goals from the newly-arrived Ukrainian star Artem Dovbyk at minute 23 and Spaniard Borja Garcia at minute 42.
This triumph took Girona’s tally to 44 points, taking them two points clear of their closest pursuers Real Madrid, while Alaves remained on 16 points, positioned 13th in the standings.
The resilient Girona, relentless in their pursuit of the La Liga title, showcased their potential throughout the match. Artem Dovbyk, who joined this season from Ukrainian side “Dnipro-1,” further stamped their authority by converting a penalty into Girona’s third goal in the second half at minute 59. This goal elevated Dovbyk’s personal count to an impressive 10 league goals this season.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian’s contributions have made Girona the third most potent attacking force in Europe’s top five leagues, boasting 41 goals, trailing only behind Germany’s Bayern Munich with 47 goals, and Bayer Leverkusen with 42 goals, and ahead of England’s reigning champions and European champions Manchester City, who have netted 40 goals.
Girona, under the guidance of coach Michel, aspires to wrap up the year at the top when they travel to face Real Betis on Thursday, before a demanding home fixture against Atletico Madrid, currently fourth-placed, on January 3, 2024.
Girona is eyeing their maiden Spanish League title in what is only their second consecutive season in the top flight, returning after a stint in the second division, following their two-season spell in La Liga from 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, before experiencing a three-season drop.
جيرونا العنيد لا يتوقف عن مطاردة حلمه بالفوز بلقب الليغا#الدوري_الإسباني #جيرونا_ألافيس #beINLiga #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/LH4sqNi5Sb
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 18, 2023
The team’s ambition to lift the league trophy for the first time in their history highlights their impressive ascent and determination to continue making an impact in Spain’s premier football competition.
