On a cool September evening at the Municipal de Montilivi, Girona FC faced Rayo Vallecano in a pivotal LaLiga clash. After a disappointing start to the season, Girona sought to reclaim their form against a Rayo Vallecano side looking to build on their recent results. With the atmosphere electric and a modest crowd of 12,272 in attendance, both teams aimed to secure crucial points in their campaigns. Girona, last season’s surprise third-place finishers, had struggled with only two wins in their first seven matches, while Rayo aimed to solidify their mid-table position.
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano Lineups
Girona FC (4-4-2)
- Starting XI:
- 13. Paulo Gazzaniga (GK)
- Miguel Gutiérrez
- Daley Blind
- David López
- Arnau Martínez
- Bryan Gil
- Yangel Herrera
- Iván Martín
- Viktor Tsygankov
- Abel Ruiz
- Yáser Asprilla
- 13. Paulo Gazzaniga (GK)
- Substitutes:
- 19. Bojan Miovski
- Alejandro Francés
- Juanpe
- Jhon Solís
- Portu
- Ladislav Krejcí
- Donny van de Beek
- Pau López
- Oriol Romeu
- 19. Bojan Miovski
Rayo Vallecano (4-4-2)
- Starting XI:
- 13. Augusto Batalla (GK)
- Pep Chavarría
- Abdul Mumin
- Florian Lejeune
- Iván Balliu
- Adri Embarba
- Óscar Valentín
- Pedro Díaz
- Andrei Ratiu
- Isi Palazón
- Sergio Camello
- 13. Augusto Batalla (GK)
- Substitutes:
- 8. Óscar Trejo
- Pathé Ciss
- Sergi Guardiola
- James Rodríguez
- Aridane Hernández
- Daniel Cárdenas
- Raúl de Tomás
- 8. Óscar Trejo
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano First Half
The match kicked off with Girona FC dominating possession from the outset. They showcased their attacking intent, earning several corners within the first 20 minutes. Despite their control, they struggled to convert this dominance into tangible results.
Key Events of the First Half:
- 20th Minute: Girona’s Viktor Tsygankov was cautioned for a foul, marking the beginning of a series of yellow cards in the match.
- 36th Minute: Yáser Asprilla had a golden opportunity, but his close-range shot sailed over the bar after a precise cross from Gutiérrez.
- 45+3 Minutes: The first half concluded with both teams still goalless, Girona FC 0, Rayo Vallecano 0.
Half-Time Analysis
Girona FC had 70% possession but failed to capitalize on their chances, managing just one shot on target. Rayo Vallecano, while less dominant, remained defensively solid and threatened on the counter. Both teams headed into the break looking to make tactical adjustments.
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano Second Half
The second half began with both teams eager to break the deadlock. Girona continued their push for a goal but faced a resilient Rayo defense.
Key Events of the Second Half:
- 58th Minute: Asprilla struck the post with a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
- 71st Minute: Gutiérrez had another close opportunity, but his shot was just over the crossbar.
- 88th Minute: Rayo Vallecano’s Álvaro García nearly stole the win, missing a close-range effort.
- 90+6 Minutes: The final whistle blew, ending the match in a 0-0 draw.
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano Stats
| Statistic | Girona FC | Rayo Vallecano |
| Possession | 70.6% | 29.4% |
| Shots on Goal | 1 | 0 |
| Total Shot Attempts | 11 | 2 |
| Fouls | 8 | 16 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 4 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 3 |
| Saves | 0 | 1 |
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano Timeline
1′: The match kicks off at the Municipal de Montilivi with a lively atmosphere. Girona FC immediately takes control of possession.
5′: Girona shows early intent as Viktor Tsygankov makes a darting run down the left flank but is stopped by Rayo’s defense.
11′: A foul from Isi Palazón on Yáser Asprilla results in a free kick for Girona. The tension is palpable as they prepare for an attacking move.
20′: Viktor Tsygankov is booked for a foul on Pep Chavarría. Rayo Vallecano earns a free kick and attempts to regain some momentum.
26′: Girona wins a corner, showcasing their attacking prowess. The cross is headed away by Rayo’s defense, but Girona maintains pressure.
33′: A substitution for Rayo Vallecano as Jorge de Frutos replaces the injured Pep Chavarría. Rayo looks to stabilize.
38′: Yáser Asprilla fires a close-range shot, but it sails over the bar. Another wasted opportunity for Girona as frustration builds.
45′: The first half ends with both teams goalless. Girona dominated possession (70%) but failed to convert their chances into goals.
Second Half
46′: The second half begins with Girona looking determined. They aim to break the deadlock.
58′: Asprilla strikes the right post from outside the box! So close for Girona, as they ramp up the pressure.
67′: A double substitution for Girona: Cristhian Stuani and Arnaut Danjuma come on for Abel Ruiz and Bryan Gil, signaling an aggressive push for a goal.
71′: Miguel Gutiérrez’s shot goes just over the bar, another near miss for Girona, who are starting to dominate the attacking play.
75′: Rayo Vallecano’s defense holds strong as Girona continues to press, but frustration mounts as chances are squandered.
83′: Yangel Herrera receives a yellow card for a bad foul, highlighting the increasing physicality as both teams fight for control.
88′: A huge chance for Rayo! Álvaro García misses a header from close range, an opportunity that could have changed the match.
90+3′: The referee signals the end of the match. Girona 0, Rayo Vallecano 0.
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano Match Impact
The goalless stalemate left Girona FC at 12th in LaLiga, now winless in four matches and with only eight points from seven games. Rayo Vallecano maintained their mid-table position but missed a golden opportunity to secure a vital away win.
FAQs for Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano
Q: Why did Girona FC struggle to score?
A: Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Girona FC lacked clinical finishing, missing several close-range opportunities.
Q: How did Rayo Vallecano perform defensively?
A: Rayo Vallecano defended well, absorbing pressure and restricting Girona’s ability to convert chances into goals.
Q: What does the draw mean for Girona FC?
A: The draw keeps Girona FC in the lower half of the table, complicating their season as they seek to find winning form.
Q: What are the next matches for both teams?
A: Girona FC will face Celta Vigo, while Rayo Vallecano will look to continue their mid-table momentum in their next fixture.
