A cruel end to a magical day | OneFootball

PSG 1-0 Girona: cruel end to a magical night

Girona already knows what it means to play in the Champions League. With Cristhian Stuani at the helm, the Girona players took to the Parc des Princes to the rhythm of the anthem of the top competition in front of a full stadium. After many months of dreaming about this day, Míchel Sánchez's men made their debut in style against the reigning semi-finalists of the competition with a performance worthy of an ambitious team eager to make the most of the opportunity. The team from Girona knew how to suffer against PSG and also had their moments of the match, but the tie ended up slipping away in the last minute of the game after a gigantic collective effort throughout the match. A too cruel outcome, but in a day difficult to forget and in a match in which, beyond the result, the pride towards our team is gigantic.

A very competitive first half

The importance of the match for Girona was very noticeable on the pitch. The team was strong from the effort and collective solidarity and neutralized PSG, who were not able to generate much danger to Gazzaniga's goal in the first half. In addition, Míchel Sánchez's men did not tremble despite the demanding stage, and remained faithful to their idea, playing from the back and wanting to have the ball. Few chances but a lot of intensity in the game and the maximum pride to be facing PSG on their field in their debut in Europe.

Escapes in the last minute

Girona started the second half taking the initiative and approaching Safonov's domains with a sense of danger. Girona saw the goal close in two crosses to the area that nobody was able to finish off between the three posts before the good anticipation of the French defenders, and some good combinations on the front line also made them dream of opening the scoreboard, although in the end it could not be. As the minutes passed, however, the titanic effort of the Red and Whites opened spaces for a very dangerous PSG when they were able to run. Vertical and very unbalanced on the flanks, Luis Enrique's men took control of the final stretch and continually threatened Girona, who managed to survive with some very meritorious interventions. Krejci made a spectacular save from behind from Dembélé when he was facing goal alone, Gazzaniga and the crossbar denied another powerful shot from the French winger, Muani had a chance with a cross shot that hit the post and again Gazzaniga also saved a close-range shot from Hakimi. Just when it looked like a draw at the Parc des Princes would become a reality, an individual move by Nuno Mendes down the left flank led to a cross that the Argentine goalkeeper was unable to block and ended up in the back of the net.

“I am very proud of my players”

Míchel Sánchez praised the team's work after the match and also the effort of the fans. “We have given a good image at Club and team level. That's the most important thing. I am very proud of my players. Thanks to the fans for today. They deserved to experience a night like tonight,” said the coach. Arnau, who also spoke after the match, went along the same lines and explained that “I'm proud of this group for the game we played. We are a team and we have to continue together”.

Stuani, with the armband on debut

Míchel Sánchez promised it months ago and it has become a reality. Captain Cristhian Stuani has started and has worn the armband from the start in the debut at the Parc des Princes. The eternal scorer from Girona, who arrived at Montilivi eight seasons ago and scored the first goal of the Club in the First Division against Atleti, has lived relegations, promotions, cruel play-offs and has earned through commitment and performance to live from the pitch a day as special as this. No one better to lead the team on the first day of its history than Girona took the field with the Champions League anthem playing in the background.

Champions League fans

The red and white fans did not want to miss a historic day for Girona. Nearly a thousand Girona fans travelled to Paris to support the team and accompany them during the ninety minutes at the Parc des Princes. Apart from a great soccer match, in the French capital there was a festive and celebratory atmosphere before the match because of the illusion of being able to live for the first time a milestone as important as this. In front of the Eiffel Tower, they were the protagonists of one of the most emotional scenes, and they did not stop cheering throughout the match.