Girona earned a thrilling 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, thanks to two penalty saves from goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and a stoppage-time winner from Cristhian Stuani. The chaotic LaLiga encounter saw Bilbao miss multiple opportunities, with Gazzaniga proving the difference in Girona’s dramatic late victory.
Athletic Bilbao’s first chance came when Alex Berenguer stepped up to take a penalty in the first half, but Gazzaniga dived brilliantly to make the save. Girona struck first in the 39th minute when Yaser Asprilla’s cross unexpectedly found the back of the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, Athletic responded just two minutes later with Oihan Sancet leveling the score at 1-1 before being substituted due to injury.
In the second half, Athletic had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded another penalty. This time, Inaki Williams’ effort was saved by Gazzaniga but had to be retaken due to the keeper stepping off his line. Ander Herrera took the retake, only for Gazzaniga to pull off another heroic save, keeping the score level.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw until stoppage time, when Athletic’s Aitor Paredes was sent off for a foul on Ladislav Krejci in the box. Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani stepped up to convert the penalty in the 99th minute, securing a dramatic victory for Girona. Though Athletic keeper Alex Padilla got a hand to the shot, it wasn’t enough to keep it out.
The win ended Girona’s four-match winless streak in LaLiga, lifting them to 11th place in the standings with 12 points. Athletic Bilbao, who missed several key chances, remain fifth with 14 points. Gazzaniga’s penalty heroics and Stuani’s cool finish were the decisive moments in a match full of drama.
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