Girona bounced back from their Copa del Rey elimination with a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo, reclaiming the top spot in the Spanish league on Sunday.
Portu secured the win with a first-half goal, propelling Girona one point ahead of Real Madrid, which won 2-1 at Las Palmas on Saturday, holding a game in hand.
After a recent 3-2 loss at Mallorca in the Copa del Rey, ending their 17-match unbeaten run, Girona, with only one other loss this season against Madrid in September, now boasts 17 wins in 22 league matches and the league’s top attack with 52 goals.
Despite the successful league campaign, Girona faces a challenging stretch against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao.
Celta Vigo, under Rafa Benítez, suffered a third consecutive loss, maintaining 17th place in the league. Some discontent was evident, with jeers directed at Benítez, who is in the first year of a three-year contract.
Despite Benítez’s complaints about poor field conditions at Balaídos Stadium, Girona controlled most of the match. Portu’s decisive 20th-minute goal from inside the area secured the important victory.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo’s position in the league remains precarious, with the risk of dropping into the relegation zone. However, a draw between Cadiz and Athletic, along with Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna, prevented this scenario.
On the same day, Atletico had the opportunity to join Barcelona in third place with 44 points if they secured a victory against Valencia at home.
