A coup to secure third place
Girona return to the top three with a thumping win at Mestalla and confirm that they will finish the league in third place, behind only Real Madrid and Barça.
Valencia 1-3 Girona
Míchel Sánchez's men made history once again today at Mestalla, and with an uncontested performance they ensured that they will finish a dream season in third place. The Girona side dominated with the ball and had the best chances, although they also had a few scares which, fortunately, they were able to resolve with success. A goal in the first half and two more in the second half allowed the team to move forward in a game in which they felt comfortable and knew how to manage their advantage, and next Sunday they will close the season at Montilivi against Granada, with the option of reaching 81 points if they win.
Savinho leads the way
In a first half with a lot of ball, it was the Brazilian who managed to transfer the dominance to the scoreboard to start to plot the way to the three points. On the half-hour mark, he took advantage of a good cross from Tsygankov on the right and beat his marker to slot home at the far post. A few minutes earlier, the same Tsygankov had sent the ball against the post. David López and Dovbyk also had good chances, and in the other area, Sergi Canós hit the woodwork in a totally isolated but dangerous Valencia move.
The top scorer is unforgiving
In a more disputed opening phase of the second half, with neither team's actions as clear, Dovbyk appeared at the right time to extend the lead and put the victory on track. The striker received a pass from Iván Martín after a good move down the right flank, and inside the area he finished the ball into the back of the net. It was a goal that decided the match, and the third came soon after. Once again, Tsygankov played in his side, and Yarek put the ball into his own net.
The statistics
Girona dominated the ball and were able to locate the game in the opposition half in many phases of the match. Both teams recorded similar figures in terms of shots on goal, although the clearest chances fell to Míchel Sánchez's side, who also managed to be effective. In a complicated stadium and against a Valencia side who have been fighting for a good part of the season to enter European competition, the red and whites once again showed a solid performance to get three points of merit.
Juanpe and Aleix García's reactions
The centre-back said he was ‘very proud of everything we have achieved this season, fighting with the big teams all year’. After securing third place, he also gave a very positive assessment of the team's work and the fact of being able to enjoy with the fans on the last matchday at Montilivi all that has been achieved in a historic year. ‘We played a great game and now we want to get 81 points, which would make us make league history. We're really looking forward to next weekend at Montilivi,’ said Aleix García.
