Girona — the underdog riding on a controversial giant’s shoulders Premium

Girona, a small club in LaLiga, is making history with an underdog performance and attractive, free-scoring style.

Over the last few months in LaLiga, something truly exceptional — in the context of the Spanish premier division’s recent history — has been unfolding. 

A league dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid since 2004-05 — Atletico Madrid is the only other team to have won the LaLiga title (2014, 2021) in this period — has seen the emergence of an underdog fighting above its weight class and threatening the contenders.

In just its fourth season in the top-flight, Girona is turning heads. Coach Michel Sanchez has a group with no stars competing at the very top of LaLiga with an attractive, free-scoring style.

Promoted via a playoff in 2021-22, Girona finished 10th last season, equalling its previous best performance, which came in 2017-18. But the manner in which it has started this season suggests that 10th will not remain its highest LaLiga finish. 

Such has been Girona’s quality that Barcelona, the Spanish league champion last season, has looked like the second-best team in the Catalonia region so far in 2023-24.

When the two sides met earlier this month at Barcelona’s temporary home, the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, it was Girona which played like a European giant. A 4-2 statement win, followed by a 3-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves, gave it sole possession of first place with the season nearing the halfway point.

Coach Michel, however, was quick to play down expectations. “I think mathematically we have escaped demotion, which was the goal,” he said. “I don’t think we can keep up with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and win the league. It’s not our objective. But we are very pleased. I think it’s good to recognise that we are making history, eh. I don’t know if we have the ability to win LaLiga, but this Girona side has a soul and believes it can beat any opponent.”