Girona returns to winning ways against Valladolid
Girona snapped a six-game winless run across all competitions after cruising to a 3-0 home win over relegation-threatened Real Valladolid in LaLiga.
Goals from David Lopez, Abel Ruiz and Arnaut Danjuma wrapped up the three points as Girona moved up to eighth place with 25 points.
The hosts dominated proceedings from the start and took the lead just past the half-hour mark when Miguel Gutierrez's free-kick deflected off Lopez and into the top corner.
Just eight minutes later, Ruiz doubled the advantage with a close-range header, with Gutierrez earning his second assist in his 100th Girona appearance with a perfectly weighted cross.
Mario Martin had Valladolid's only attempt in the match, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga to punch his long-range curler away from the far post.
Danjuma secured the victory in the 81st minute hitting his first-time effort past Karl Hein, netting for the first time since August to leave Valladolid second from bottom and four points from safety.
Girona head coach Michel is now eyeing a top seven finish.
"I have seen a very good team, especially in things that the team needed, more aggressiveness with and without the ball, the pressure after the loss has been top at all times, we have done very well," he said.
"[In past games] we dominated the ball, but we were not strong in the box, especially in our own. We were not a team that pressed after losing the ball.
"Today the aggressiveness, the pressure was incredible, for me the best of the season."
Michel also reflected on his side's year, and revealed his goals for 2025 as he eyed another campaign ending with European football for next season.
"My goal is for the team to be in the top seven in the league standings. We will see if we are capable, we rely on our consistency in the game," Michel said.
"If we look at the first six months of 2024, I was very happy, the team was doing well, it was easy to work in that context. These last few months I haven't given my best version.
"It's wrong to be out of the Copa del Rey and far from qualifying for the Champions League next round, I have failed, I have to improve to coach a team like Girona."
