Girona 1-1 Real Sociedad
Venue: Estadi Montilivi
Scorers: Jon Martin (28′), Cristhian Stuani (66′)
Girona moved a step closer to La Liga safety on Thursday night after fighting back to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad at the Estadi Montilivi. In a high-stakes encounter for the hosts, veteran striker Cristhian Stuani once again proved to be the hero, canceling out Jon Martin’s first-half opener to pull the Catalan side out of the relegation zone.
First Half: Sociedad Strike Against the Run of Play
The match began with a frantic energy as Girona, backed by a vocal home crowd, looked to snap a five-game winless streak. Viktor Tsygankov was an early menace, forcing a spectacular fingertip save from Alex Remiro that deflected onto the post within the first four minutes. Joel Roca also tested the Sociedad keeper as Girona dominated the opening exchanges.
However, the momentum shifted in the 28th minute. Against the run of play, Real Sociedad earned a corner after a defensive lapse. Sergio Gomez delivered a pinpoint cross into the heart of the box, where teenager Jon Martin rose highest to power a header into the bottom corner. The visitors suffered a blow shortly after as Ander Barrenetxea was forced off with an injury, but they managed to head into the break with a slender lead.
Second Half: The King of Montilivi Delivers
Girona manager Michel turned to his bench at halftime, introducing the legendary Stuani for Bryan Gil. The tactical shift paid dividends as the game turned into a scrappy, high-intensity affair.
The breakthrough for the hosts arrived in the 66th minute. Captain Arnau Martinez whipped a dangerous low cross from the right flank that eluded the Sociedad defense. Stuani, displaying his trademark predatory instincts, reacted quickest to side-foot the ball past Remiro, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
Girona pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Manchester City-bound Claudio Echeverri coming close, but Sociedad’s defense held firm. The result leaves Girona one point clear of the drop zone with two matches remaining, while Real Sociedad remains winless in their last six league outings.
