Getafe Stuns Girona with a 2-1 Victory as Borja Mayoral Shines

 

Getafe Secures a Crucial Victory Against Girona in La Liga

In a dramatic La Liga clash on February 14, 2025, Getafe CF edged past Girona FC with a 2-1 victory at Estadi Montilivi. The match was marked by tactical battles, key individual performances, and decisive moments that shaped the outcome.

Early Lead for Getafe

The game started with high intensity as José Bordalás’ Getafe pressed aggressively. Their efforts paid off in the 3rd minute, when Ladislav Krejci made a costly error in Girona’s defense. Getafe’s Christantus Uche capitalized on the mistake, slotting the ball past Gazzaniga to give his team an early lead.

Despite Girona's dominance in possession—holding 75% of the ball in the first half—they struggled to break through Getafe’s well-organized defensive setup. Míchel, Girona's coach, later admitted that his team "paid the price for losing the ball in dangerous areas."

Girona’s Response and Mayoral’s Instant Impact

Girona intensified their attacks in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute, when Yangel Herrera scored a powerful header from a corner, leveling the game at 1-1. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Girona's favor.

However, Getafe responded swiftly. Just 26 seconds after being subbed in, Borja Mayoral capitalized on a rebound from Gazzaniga, restoring Getafe’s lead in the 61st minute. The striker, who has been in sensational form, showcased his instinctive finishing, earning him the nickname "Cupido Azulón" in Spanish media.

A Red Card That Changed the Game

Girona’s hopes of a comeback took a hit in the 73rd minute, when VAR intervened and Yangel Herrera was sent off for a foul on Terrats. Reduced to ten men, Girona struggled to maintain their attacking rhythm. Even the introduction of Arthur Melo and Asprilla could not break Getafe’s defensive resilience.

Tactical Breakdown

Bordalás’ strategy of compact defensive play and counter-attacks proved effective against Girona’s possession-based football. By scoring early, Getafe forced Girona to take risks, which left them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Girona’s reliance on possession (with 79% ball control overall) did not translate into clear-cut chances. Their offensive struggles, combined with defensive lapses, contributed to their fourth defeat in five games.

Key Performances

• Christantus Uche: Took full advantage of an early defensive error to put Getafe ahead.
• Borja Mayoral: His instant impact off the bench sealed Getafe’s win, proving his importance to the team.
• Yangel Herrera: Scored Girona’s only goal but his red card turned the tide in Getafe’s favor.

Implications for the La Liga Standings

This win extends Getafe’s unbeaten streak to six games, helping them move further away from the relegation battle. Meanwhile, Girona’s dip in form is hurting their European qualification hopes. Their fourth loss in five matches raises concerns about their defensive weaknesses and attacking inefficiency.

For a detailed match report, check Marca's coverage.

With upcoming fixtures becoming more critical, Girona must address their tactical vulnerabilities to stay in contention for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Getafe will look to continue their momentum as they climb the La Liga table.

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