Argentine goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga was the hero in Girona's 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, saving three penalties, including one retaken attempt. Despite Athletic's equalizer in the 41st minute, a late penalty from Cristhian Stuani in the 90+9 minute secured Girona's dramatic win.
Paulo Gazzaniga's heroics in goal for Girona were the defining feature of their 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in what turned out to be a thrilling and dramatic encounter.
The Argentine goalkeeper’s remarkable performance, particularly his ability to save three penalties, played a crucial role in Girona securing the three points in the ninth round of the Spanish league. While penalty saves are always significant moments in a match, Gazzaniga’s string of saves came at pivotal points, shifting the momentum of the game in Girona's favor and adding to the narrative of an intense match.
The penalty drama began in the 28th minute when Alex Berenguer stepped up for Athletic Bilbao. Berenguer aimed his shot to the left, but Gazzaniga was equal to the challenge, diving low to keep the ball out and maintain Girona’s clean sheet at that point. This first save lifted the home crowd and gave Girona a sense of belief that they could hold their own against a strong Bilbao side.
However, the true drama unfolded in the second half. Athletic Bilbao earned another penalty in the 56th minute, this time with Iñaki Williams taking the shot. Gazzaniga managed to block the attempt, but controversy followed as the referee ruled that the goalkeeper had not kept his feet on the goal line during the kick, which is required by the rules. As a result, the penalty had to be retaken, adding pressure on both Gazzaniga and Athletic Bilbao. Undeterred, the Argentine keeper stepped up once again, this time denying Ander Herrera’s retaken penalty with an unconventional save using his feet. The Girona supporters erupted in celebration, fully aware of the significance of two consecutive penalty saves in such a high-stakes situation.
Despite Gazzaniga’s brilliant work between the posts, he could not prevent Athletic Bilbao from finding the back of the net in the 41st minute. Oihan Sancet capitalized on a well-worked move from Bilbao to equalize, canceling out Girona’s earlier lead. Girona had gone ahead in the 39th minute through Colombian forward Yaser Asprilla, who broke the deadlock with a sharp finish. The two-minute exchange of goals set up a tense second half, with both teams vying for the upper hand.
As the match wore on, both sides pressed for a winner, and the tension continued to build. Athletic Bilbao, despite having missed crucial opportunities from the penalty spot, remained a dangerous opponent, while Girona, buoyed by their goalkeeper’s efforts, stayed in the game. The match seemed destined for a draw as time ticked away, but the late drama was far from over.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Girona was awarded a penalty of their own. Uruguayan striker Cristhian Stuani, who had been substituted in during the 90+3 minute, stepped up to take the decisive spot-kick. The experienced forward kept his composure, striking the ball toward the goal, and although Mexican goalkeeper Alex Padilla managed to get a hand on it, he could not prevent it from crossing the line. Stuani’s goal in the 90+9 minute sealed the victory for Girona in one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
The win was vital for Girona, as it saw them temporarily rise to 11th place in the La Liga standings with 12 points. This was a significant improvement for the team that had previously been struggling to replicate the sensational form that saw them finish third in the 2023/24 season. The victory also highlighted the resilience and fighting spirit within the squad, particularly as they overcame multiple setbacks during the match.
For Athletic Bilbao, the result was a disappointing one, especially given their missed opportunities from the penalty spot. The defeat left them in sixth place with 14 points, still within reach of European qualification but with lingering questions about their ability to close out matches and convert key chances.
Gazzaniga’s performance, meanwhile, will likely be remembered as one of the standout individual efforts of the season. Saving three penalties in a single match is a rare feat, and although one of the saves came with an asterisk due to the irregularity, his overall display was nothing short of heroic. His ability to remain composed under pressure, particularly during the retaken penalty, speaks volumes about his mental toughness and technical ability as a goalkeeper.
Looking ahead, Girona will hope to build on this momentum as they continue their La Liga campaign, with the victory giving them renewed confidence. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refocus, ensuring that missed penalties and defensive lapses do not derail their promising start to the season.
In a match filled with excitement, drama, and crucial moments, Gazzaniga stood out as the star, and his penalty-saving heroics ensured that Girona walked away with all three points. The result not only lifted Girona in the standings but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of La Liga, where anything can happen until the final whistle.
