Girona FC, a relatively unheralded team in La Liga, has set the football world abuzz with its remarkable performance this season. With 12 wins, two defeats, and one draw, the team stands on equal footing with perennial champions Real Madrid, perched four points above Barcelona in the standings.
Speaking exclusively to Reuters in Bengaluru, Luis Garcia, a former footballer, drew parallels between Girona’s surge and Leicester City’s legendary Premier League title triumph in 2015-16. “It’s the new Leicester, right? With Leicester, I remember the talk was exactly the same – ‘Oh, you know, they will drop,’” Garcia remarked.
Like Leicester’s astounding climb from relegation contenders to title winners, Girona’s trajectory has captured attention. Having ascended to La Liga via a playoff in the 2021-22 season and securing a respectable 10th-place finish last year, they seem to be following a similar storyline.
“Why can’t it be Girona?” Garcia pondered, highlighting their lack of European commitments and fewer international players as potential advantages. He emphasized their ability to rest, rotate, and field their best team regularly, making them formidable opponents. “It isn’t easy to beat this team,” he added, acknowledging the challenges they pose.
Discussing the landscape of European soccer, Garcia noted the potential for change, citing the example of Newcastle United’s recent investment. “We all love a dark horse,” he expressed, hinting at the allure of underdog stories in football.
Reflecting on his own career and experiences, Garcia touched upon missed opportunities with Barcelona and Liverpool. Despite his time at Liverpool yielding Champions League and FA Cup success, clinching the Premier League title remained elusive.
However, Garcia believes that the current Liverpool under Juergen Klopp is a force to be reckoned with in the league this season. “This squad is very competitive,” he affirmed, hinting at their potential to secure their second league title in four years.
As Girona continues to challenge the traditional powerhouses in La Liga, football fans worldwide are witnessing the emergence of a potential giant-killer, echoing the stirring narrative of Leicester City’s astonishing triumph. With the race heating up, all eyes remain fixed on whether Girona can sustain its remarkable run and etch its name in football history.
