A comeback to advance to the next round

Girona won convincingly in Orihuela to advance one more round in the Copa del Rey. Míchel's men had to come from behind in a game that the home side fought with all their might, but the team was very solid at the restart and made the difference in the second half to settle the match comfortably.

Pablo Torre, one of the highlights of today's match, opened the scoring with a low shot just inside the near post from the edge of the area. The assist was provided by another of the team's own names, Iker Almena, who today made his debut in an official match and as a starter. He was not the only one, as Enric García also played some minutes in the final stretch.

With the scoreboard in favour, the red and whites dominated comfortably against an opponent who gave up the initiative, but two set-pieces changed the course of the game. Mendi equalised with a header midway through the first half and Booker scored the second just before the break from a corner.

The Red and Whites came out with determination in the second half to try to change a score that was becoming more dangerous as the minutes went by. The reaction came through Stuani, who was stronger than anyone else in the area. The Uruguayan headed home two almost consecutive crosses to restore the lead and put the tie back on a much better footing.

The Gerona side sealed the win in the final stretch with two more goals from Portu and Valery, and will be in next Tuesday's draw for the last 32 of the Copa del Rey. This makes seven comebacks this season for a team whose ambition remains intact and who are already thinking about Sunday's demanding game against Barça.