Girona clinched a wild 4-3 victory at home against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Ivan Martin netting the winner during stoppage time. The result ensures they remain tied on points with Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table. Atletico almost staged a complete comeback thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Alvaro Morata, who helped his side erase a two-goal deficit. But in the end, Martin's clinical finish into the upper corner secured the win and kept Girona's incredible momentum going.
Ivan Martin’s late winner in the stoppage-time guided Girona to a dramatic 4-3 home win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, keeping them equal on points with table toppers Real Madrid in the LaLiga league. Alvaro Morata was brilliant on the field and scored a hat-trick, helping Atletico to claw back from 3-1 down to draw level. Still, Girona’s forward Martin demonstrated superb close control before blasting into the top corner to claim the three points and maintain Girona’s remarkable start to the season.
Currently sitting on 48 points, the surprise contenders Girona are trailing only Real Madrid, who beat Mallorca 1-0 on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid follows in third place with 38 points. Both clubs are now shifting focus to the Spanish Cup, starting January 6, where Girona plays Elche and Atletico faces Lugo. The game began with an early spark as Valery Fernandez scored a stunning curler in the second minute. Morata leveled the score for Atletico in the 14th minute, but Girona regained the lead in the 26th minute when Savio capitalized on a turnover caused by a press on Koke, making it 2-1.
Girona started strong and scored the opener in just two minutes into the game with Valery Fernandez curling in a fantastic shot from the edge of the box, but Atletico leveled the score in the 14th minute through Morata. Girona’s high pressure paid off as they snatched the ball from Atletico’s Koke before Savio scored on the second try in the 26th minute to make it 2-1.
The lead was further extended in the 39th minute when Daley Blind tapped the ball in for the hosts. However, Morata struck back just before halftime with a brilliant individual effort to make it 2-2. The Spanish striker continued his dominance in the second half, finding the net again in the 53rd minute with a powerful strike from inside the box to level the game at 3-3. The deadlock was finally broken by Martin, who produced a stunning goal to win it for Girona.
Reflecting on the win, Martin admitted he felt lucky to score, but emphasized that their success is no fluke, rooted in the hard work they've put in since their time in the second division. He expressed satisfaction with his own form and noted that while qualifying for European football is the goal, the team must remain focused and consistent.
Girona's manager, Michel, clarified that winning the league isn't the primary goal. Instead, he is focusing on a match-by-match approach with the aim of qualifying for Europe, which would be a historic achievement for the club. He praised the resilience and mentality of his squad after a grueling match, while also acknowledging Atletico's strong performance. Michel concluded by stating that while they dream of European football, competing directly for the title against a giant like Real Madrid is an immense challenge.