Girona FCvsDeportivo Alaves

A Clash of Catalonia and Basque Resilience

As the sun sets over the Montilivi Stadium, Girona FC prepares to host Deportivo Alaves in what promises to be a captivating encounter. Girona, despite their recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions, remain a formidable force at home. Their journey in the UEFA Champions League has been a baptism of fire, with the Catalan side facing some of Europe's elite. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty, highlighted their potential but also their need for more experience on the grand stage. In LaLiga, Girona's form has been patchy, with a recent 1-2 home defeat to Sevilla underscoring their inconsistency. However, their historical achievements, such as their first-ever Champions League qualification, speak volumes of their ambition and growth.

Deportivo Alaves: Fighting for Survival

Deportivo Alaves, on the other hand, find themselves embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation. Currently sitting 18th in the table, the Basque side has shown glimpses of resilience but has struggled to maintain consistency. Their recent 1-3 loss to Real Betis was a stark reminder of the challenges they face. The return of defender Garces is a positive development, but the injury to key goalkeeper Antonio Sivera poses a significant challenge. Alaves' away form has been particularly concerning, with only one win in their last 15 away matches. Yet, their ability to score late goals, as evidenced by their 31% goal rate between the 76th and 90th minutes, could prove pivotal.

Head-to-Head: Girona's Edge at Home

Historically, Girona has held the upper hand in this fixture, especially at home. In their last nine meetings at Montilivi, Girona has emerged victorious four times, with three draws and two losses. The last time Alaves tasted victory in Girona was back in 2017. Last season's encounters saw Girona dominate with a 3-0 home win and a thrilling 2-2 draw away. Girona's ability to score, particularly in the first half, could be crucial, as they have netted 25% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minutes. Meanwhile, Alaves' defensive frailties, compounded by Sivera's absence, could be their undoing.

Prediction: Girona to Edge a Close Contest

Given the current form and historical context, Girona FC is poised to secure a narrow victory. Their home advantage, coupled with Alaves' defensive vulnerabilities, tips the scales in their favor. However, with both teams having a knack for finding the net, expect goals from both sides. Girona's attacking prowess, led by Cristhian Stuani, and Alaves' late-game scoring potential suggest a lively affair. In conclusion, Girona should edge this contest, but not without a fight from the visitors.