Girona is licking its wounds after the clear defeat against PSV in the Champions League (4-0). Coach Míchel and midfielder Oriol Romeu acknowledged that the game was effectively over after Arnau Martínez's red card, but they did see real opportunities in Eindhoven before that moment.
On Tuesday night, Girona faced a challenging milestone, becoming the first Spanish team in Champions League history to lose its opening two away games.
This record underscores the steep learning curve Girona is experiencing on the European stage, highlighting both the demands of elite competition and the importance of maintaining focus amid setbacks. For PSV, it was a night to celebrate, as they achieved their biggest-ever victory in the tournament with a 4-0 scoreline, a memorable result that emphasizes their strength on home turf and sends a message to their Champions League rivals.
Despite the final score, Girona’s head coach, Míchel, wasn’t entirely displeased with how his team began the match. In his post-game remarks, he reflected on the team’s initial approach, praising their efforts in the early stages. “The first half was very good from both teams, and the biggest chance was ours,” he noted. This statement underscores Girona’s confidence and sense of purpose at the outset, which was quickly shaken by a series of pivotal moments that changed the match’s dynamics. Malik Tillman’s goal in the 33rd minute put PSV ahead, and just after halftime, Girona suffered a significant blow when defender Arnau Martínez received a red card. “The 2-0 was decisive for the outcome of the match, as was the red card,” Míchel admitted, acknowledging that these moments turned the game irreversibly in PSV’s favor.
As the game continued, Oriol Romeu, who came on only after Girona had been reduced to ten men, provided a sobering assessment of the impact the red card had on his team. Romeu, on loan from Barcelona, shared his view of the game’s progression, noting, “Until that moment, they were already dominating the game and were superior, but we still had hope of scoring a goal and had some chances to do so.” His remarks suggest that, despite PSV’s early lead, Girona’s players believed they could rally and push back, potentially leveling the score. However, once Martínez was sent off, that glimmer of hope quickly faded. “After the red card, we no longer had opportunities to hurt them,” Romeu continued, capturing the frustration of watching Girona’s attacking prospects diminish. “This was a good chance for us, and it hurts that we couldn’t take advantage of it.”
Girona’s Champions League journey has been turbulent so far, with previous defeats to Paris Saint-Germain (1-0) and Feyenoord (3-2), leaving them with only three points, which came from their sole victory against Slovan Bratislava. With upcoming matches against European heavyweights Liverpool, AC Milan, and Arsenal, Girona’s path to the knockout stages appears increasingly difficult. However, Míchel remains optimistic about his team’s potential, pushing back against any notion that Girona is out of its depth. “I don’t think this competition is beyond our reach,” he stated firmly, defending his players' efforts and resilience. “Today we played very well until the red card, but in this competition, small details are even more decisive.” Míchel’s words underscore his belief that Girona’s struggles stem not from an inability to compete but rather from critical moments that have turned against them.
This perspective points to a larger lesson that Míchel hopes his team can absorb as they face some of Europe’s most challenging clubs. He acknowledged that in the Champions League, every lapse in concentration or tactical misstep can have severe consequences, emphasizing the need for his players to grow as a unit and embrace the intensity of elite competition. “They were superior; we need to grow as a team and keep fighting for a spot in the next round,” Míchel concluded. This statement highlights the coach’s faith in his squad’s potential for improvement and resilience, a crucial mentality for a team new to the Champions League.
As Girona reflects on the match against PSV, the team’s players and staff are likely to revisit the small details that have been costing them. From missed chances to moments of defensive vulnerability, Girona’s journey in the Champions League has exposed them to the demands of European football’s top tier. Still, Míchel’s confidence signals that Girona isn’t ready to concede defeat. As they prepare to face formidable opponents in their remaining group stage matches, Girona is determined to learn from these experiences, adapt their strategies, and prove they belong on the international stage.
