As the 2024-25 La Liga season unfolds, Girona is set to face Athletic Bilbao in a crucial match on Sunday afternoon at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. With both teams having contrasting fortunes in the league so far, this encounter promises to be an exciting clash.
Girona, who had a stellar previous season finishing third, is currently struggling to find their form. After a series of disappointing results, they find themselves in 12th place in the standings, having accumulated just nine points from eight matches. This season has been particularly challenging for the Catalan side, who are also competing in the Champions League for the first time. Unfortunately, they have not been able to secure a victory in their European outings, suffering defeats against heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Feyenoord.
In La Liga, Girona’s form has been lackluster, with no wins in their last four matches. Their recent games include a loss to Barcelona and a defeat to Real Madrid, followed by two draws against Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo. This winless streak has put pressure on head coach Michel, who is eager to turn things around before the international break.
At home, Girona has managed to earn four points from three league matches this season, but they desperately need a win to boost morale. The last time they faced Athletic Bilbao, they managed to secure a 1-1 draw, but they will be looking for a more favorable outcome this time around.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao enters this match in a much stronger position. The Basque team sits fifth in the league table with 14 points, having won four matches, drawn two, and lost two. Their recent performances have shown promise, including a 2-0 victory over AZ in the Europa League, which has helped them gain momentum. Coach Ernesto Valverde’s squad is unbeaten in their last six competitive matches, including a solid run in La Liga where they have secured wins against Las Palmas, Leganes, and Celta Vigo, along with a draw against Sevilla.
Athletic Bilbao’s European commitments have not hindered their league performance, and they are currently just two points shy of a Champions League qualification spot, held by Atletico Madrid. The team is looking to maintain their good form and capitalize on Girona’s struggles to secure a vital away win.
As both teams prepare for this matchup, the stakes are high. Girona is desperate to break their winless streak and regain confidence, while Athletic Bilbao aims to continue their ascent in the league standings. Fans can expect an intense battle on the pitch as both sides vie for crucial points in this significant La Liga encounter.
The match is set to kick off at 1 PM UK time, and it will be interesting to see which team can seize the opportunity and emerge victorious.