“Abel Ruiz opens the scoring for Girona just six minutes in, finishing off a Javier Bonar assist.”
Pivotal“Donny van de Beek doubles Girona's lead right before half-time, capitalising after Albacete had two offsides in the build-up.”
Pivotal“Sergio Ortuño is shown a second yellow card and sent off, ending Albacete's night on a sour note.”
Girona
Albacete
Outstanding performance
Girona•DefenderGirona made the perfect start, with Abel Ruiz finishing off a Javier Bonar assist inside six minutes, and doubled their lead just before the break through Donny van de Beek after a spell of Albacete pressure produced only offsides. Despite Albacete dominating dangerous attacks (69 to 45) and out-shooting Girona 20-18, they lacked the cutting edge to punish a Girona side that controlled possession at 57% and converted their limited openings ruthlessly. The second half was largely a rearguard action for Albacete, who saw Sergio Ortuño booked and then sent off late on for a second yellow, compounding a frustrating night as they created three big chances but missed all of them. For Girona this result strengthens their position in the promotion picture, while Albacete's wasteful finishing and late red card leave plenty to address before their next fixture.
How entertaining was this match?
Yellow card shown to Fran Gamez.
Higinio Marin Escavy is on, and Victor Valverde is off.
Substitution: Abdul Mumin replaces Donny van de Beek.
Juan Arango comes on for Abel Ruiz.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Goal! The score is now 2-1.
Sergio OrtuñoYellow CardSergio Ortuno receives a yellow card.
Victor ValverdeYellow CardVictor Valverde receives a yellow card.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
Sergio Ortuno comes on for Javi Villar.
The first half ends with a score of 2-0.
assist: Carles Pérez
Goal! Donny van de Beek scores to make it 2-0, assisted by Carles Pérez Sayol.
Offside.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
assist: Javier Boñar
Goal! Abel Ruiz scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Javier Bonar.
Kick-off! The referee is Saul Ais Reig.
Girona host bottom-of-the-table Albacete at Montilivi with the home side chasing a third win in four games, while Albacete arrive rock bottom after six league games without a victory. With Girona in the ascendancy and Albacete's coach under mounting pressure, this has the makings of a one-sided affair.
