The draw between Espanyol and Girona left a bittersweet taste, as two points slipped away when victory seemed secured. However, with time, the value of what was achieved becomes clearer. Manolo González’s team has only lost one game this year and is on an impressive 8-game unbeaten streak at the RCDE Stadium. They are gradually approaching their goal of staying in the league. The team demonstrated clear ideas and capitalized on one of their few opportunities through Jofre Carreras, further improving their goal-scoring efficiency. Moreover, Joan García once again played the role of savior with an unbelievable save against a powerful shot from Yangel Herrera. Manolo González’s game plan was executed, and only a mistake by Urko prevented a win, settling for a point that ultimately brings them closer to safety.
According to calculations, the team needs 12 more points in this crucial part of the season to achieve their objective, which now seems within reach. Despite some criticism of Manolo González’s playing style, which is not particularly flashy, he has found a formula for earning points.
Joan García: An Out-of-this-World Performance
Joan García is a name that must be mentioned. The Espanyol goalkeeper delivered another outstanding performance, making what could be the save of the season with a miraculous hand denying Yangel Herrera’s powerful strike.
Reaction to Joan García’s save.
Attack Momentum: Espanyol’s Loyalty to Manolo González’s Plan Explained
Analyst Àlex Cobas provided an attack momentum chart from the Espanyol vs. Girona match. Beyond showing Girona’s expected ball possession dominance, it confirms Espanyol’s commitment to Manolo González’s approach. It’s not about aesthetic play, but González has chosen a strategy that suits the players’ capabilities, making them more comfortable and effective in achieving results. The chart illustrates which team is performing better at different points in the game: a higher chart indicates greater offensive pressure, while a lower chart signifies a more defensive approach.
Cobas also highlighted the team’s difficulties in defending when leading against technically skilled teams like Girona. This explains why many Espanyol victories come with late goals, leaving less time to withstand opponent attacks.
Àlex de Llano’s Analysis: “Without Joan García, Espanyol Wouldn’t Be Where They Are”
Àlex de Llano analyzed the game at the RCDE Stadium: “It reminded me of the Celta match. Espanyol wanted the opponent to have the ball, but in specific areas. Although Girona posed danger, Espanyol showed the mentality to respond. Against a Champions League-level team with a high tempo, Espanyol had the tools to contain them and take the lead. Despite the feeling of conceding an equalizer when they could have done more, Espanyol is growing with many players taking their first steps in this category. We have the best player in the category, Joan García, who made the best save I’ve ever seen in a stadium. We would have liked to take three points, but the good streak and positive momentum continue, allowing the team to keep adding points.”
However, a player who could hold onto the ball more would be appreciated: “It’s true, in the last 15 minutes, they had very little possession. Girona’s substitutions made a big difference. Espanyol knows what they are playing for and is very tenacious. Recovering the ball higher up the pitch would be fantastic.”
It’s a shame that a star like Joan García has emerged, and Espanyol might not be able to keep him and build a team around him for the future: “Very few clubs can retain top players. It’s a very complicated situation to keep talent in Spanish football. La Liga could do more in this regard. For me, he is the most decisive player in the league. Without him, his team wouldn’t be where they are. His emotional growth is enormous, and the team is benefiting from it. All the points he is contributing this year are incredible. He is the best goalkeeper in metrics that depend on a goalkeeper.”
Talk Show Time
Toni Bermejo, Pau Comas, and Ferran Granell joined for a post-Catalan derby discussion. Our guests expressed mixed feelings: satisfaction that the team remains unbeaten but disappointment at losing the win against a rival like Girona, a match they were eager to win. It’s clear that every remaining game in the quest for safety will be similar, as Bermejo pointed out: “Opponent dominance, solid defense, and capitalizing on few chances. We are on the right path, but nothing is done yet.”
