)
Catalan side Girona are upstaging their neighbours Barcelona and rivalling Real Madrid for the LaLiga crown in the 2023/24 season
There is no hotter topic in LaLiga at the moment than Girona's shocking rise to the top of the Spanish first division at the halfway point of the season.
Despite not being among the traditional powerhouses like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, Girona has managed to compete for the top spot in the league, showcasing an impressive form that has brought them into the limelight.
)
13:56 - 05.01.2024
11 things to know about Pep Guardiola's brother, who is the chairman of Girona fc
Pere Guardiola is a Spanish businessman and sports agent.
)
22:29 - 30.12.2023
Five La Liga Players Who Could Make Moves in the January Transfer Window
This winter, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona face unexpected competition from Girona, threatening to disrupt the league hierarchy.
Girona's rise to the top of La Liga in the 2023/24 season is a culmination of these efforts. Their impressive performances against traditional giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid underscore the club's development. The team, guided by astute managerial tactics and bolstered by key players, has shown that they can compete at the highest level.
Early struggles and foundation
Girona FC was founded in 1930, and for much of its history, the club languished in the lower tiers of Spanish football. They spent decades oscillating between the third and fourth tiers, with limited financial resources and a small but dedicated fan base.
)
The turning point for Girona began in the 2000s, when the club started to climb through the Spanish football league system. This ascent was marked by improved performances, better financial management, and increasing support from the local community. The club's growing success on the pitch started to attract more fans, expanding their base beyond the few hundred loyal supporters they initially had.
Girona's Promotion to La Liga
The pivotal moment in Girona's history came in the 2016/17 season, when they earned promotion to La Liga for the first time.
)
This achievement was a result of years of building a competitive squad, improving infrastructure, and fostering a winning culture within the club. Promotion to the top tier brought increased revenues, greater media attention, and an opportunity to compete against Spain's elite clubs.
Impact of Ownership and Investment
The club's fortunes were further boosted by investment from the City Football Group and the Pere Guardiola Group in 2017. This investment provided financial stability and resources to enhance the club's infrastructure, youth academy, and scouting network. The ownership change also marked a new era in the club's strategic approach, focusing on long-term sustainability and growth.
Season Overview
Girona held the lead in La Liga on five occasions during the first 19 weeks of the season, sharing the top spot with Real Madrid. They have been particularly notable for their victories against major teams like Barcelona, whom they defeated 4-2, and Atlético Madrid, with a close 4-3 win.
These results highlight Girona's potential to upset the established hierarchy in Spanish football, a dominance traditionally held by the 'Big Three' (Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid).
Team Strength and key players
Girona's strength lies in their potent attack, having scored 46 goals, which is the highest in the league as of the first half of the season. This offensive prowess has been a key factor in their success and has contributed to their having the second-best goal difference in La Liga. Girona's success can be attributed in part to key players who have made a significant impact.
Artem Dovbyk, the Ukrainian striker, has been a standout performer. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability have been crucial, with 11 league goals in the first half of the campaign.
)
Midfielder Aleix Garcia has also been pivotal. Garcia's role as a playmaker has been instrumental, leading the La Liga charts for progressive passes and passes into the final third.
)
Brazilian forward Savio has also been instrumental in Girona’s rise, helping the team’s cause with five goals and five assists in 19 matches. He has been attracting interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, and European champions Manchester City.
Challenges and Predictions
While Girona's performance has been stellar, there are challenges ahead. The biggest concern is maintaining their form against the traditional giants of Spanish football as the season progresses. Real Madrid and Barcelona, despite being behind in points, have the experience and depth to mount strong challenges in the latter half of the season.
)
Girona's rise draws comparisons to other underdog stories in football, like Leicester City's Premier League triumph in the 2015/16 season and Lille's Ligue 1 victory in 2020/21. These examples show that surprising and historic victories are possible in football, offering hope and inspiration to teams like Girona.
Community and Fan Base Growth
Alongside their on-field success, Girona's community engagement and fan base have grown exponentially. The club has worked hard to embed itself in the local community, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride. This has translated into increased matchday attendance, merchandise sales, and a growing global fan base.
Girona FC's journey from a small club with a couple of hundred fans to a contender in La Liga is a remarkable story of persistence, strategic planning, and community engagement. It serves as an inspiration for other clubs with modest beginnings, proving that with the right approach, achieving success at the highest levels of football is possible.
Related content
)
12:50 - 21.12.2023
Real Betis vs Girona: Match preview, possible lineups, predictions and team news
The upcoming La Liga clash between Real Betis and Girona is set to take place on Thursday, 21st December 2023, at 7 pm WAT at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. This match marks an important round in the 2023-24 Spanish Primera season, promising an exciting contest between two competitive teams.
)
16:11 - 08.12.2023
Barcelona vs Girona: Match preview, possible lineup, time and where to watch the game
In a highly anticipated La Liga clash, Barcelona is set to face Girona on December 10, 2023. The match, taking place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, promises to be a thrilling encounter between the Catalan rivals.
)
04:50 - 06.12.2023
Since I was a child - Best midfielder in LALIGA declares love for Barcelona
The Girona player has been a Barcelona fan since he was a kid and wants to play for the LALIGA champions.
)
09:48 - 24.11.2023
LALIGA Preview: 5 talking points as leaders Girona face mounting pressure from Real Madrid and Barcelona
Get ready for another action-packed showdown in LALIGA EA SPORTS as giants Real Madrid and Barcelona return to bring the heat on surprise package Girona on week 14.
)
04:39 - 03.11.2023
LALIGA Preview: Rival clashes and heated title race — 5 essential talking points
Real Madrid return to the Bernabéu to face neighbours Rayo Vallecano, while Barcelona have a tough game away at Real Sociedad in the LALIGA this weekend.
)
15:35 - 23.09.2023
Savio: Brazilian rising star fires LALIGA's best team to top of the table in thrilling 8-goal show
Girona strolled past Real Mallorca to continue their road to 42 points this season in the LALIGA with another brilliant win led by Brazil's Savio.
)
10:04 - 19.07.2023
Romeu: Former Chelsea midfielder returns to Barcelona as Busquets replacement
La Masia graduate Oriol Romeu is back to LALIGA champions FC Barcelona and looks set to replace departed club legend Sergio Busquets.
)
10:28 - 03.06.2023
LALIGA What you should know as Cadiz, 9 others settle relegation & UECL scores
Four teams maintain hope of securing the final European qualification spot, in the Conference League while six led by Cadiz battle to avoid relegation on the final day of the LaLiga season.
)
22:11 - 20.05.2023
Barcelona suffers first home defeat of the season barely a week after being crowned champion
Real Sociedad shocked Barcelona by beating them 2-1 at Camp Nou after being crowned champions last weekend.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)