LaLiga: Valencia's Relegation Fears Persist After 1-1 Draw with Girona

Girona came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Valencia in LaLiga, leaving the visitors just one point above the relegation zone. Cristhian Stuani scored the equalizer for Girona, canceling out Diego Lopez's opener for Valencia.

A late equalizer from Girona denied Valencia a crucial three points, as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in LaLiga at the Estadi Montilivi. The result leaves Valencia still searching for their first away league win of the season, with their record on the road now standing at seven draws and seven losses.

Girona, who had not tasted victory since the beginning of February, showed no signs of rust as they created the game's first scoring opportunity just before the 15-minute mark. Despite their recent struggles, which had seen them pick up just two draws and three losses in their previous five matches, the Blanquivermells started the match with confidence and intent.

Bojan Miovski was left stunned and frustrated after squandering a golden opportunity to put Girona ahead. With only Giorgi Mamardashvili to beat, Miovski somehow managed to blast his effort high into the stands, leaving him with his head in his hands in dismay.

The close call seemed to spark Valencia into life, and they nearly took the lead in the 23rd minute through Umar Sadiq's powerful effort. However, Paulo Gazzaniga was equal to the task, producing a brilliant one-handed save to deny Sadiq and keep the score level. Girona then threatened at the other end, with Arthur Melo unleashing a sweet strike from distance that appeared destined for the top corner. Unfortunately for the Juventus loanee, his effort lacked the necessary dip and sailed millimeters over the roof of the net.

The first half ended goalless, but Girona came close to breaking the deadlock immediately after the restart. Arnau Martinez's header from a corner kick seemed to be sneaking in at the near post, but Mamardashvili made a spectacular save to deny him. This proved to be a crucial moment in the match, as Valencia soon took the lead. Dimitri Foulquier embarked on a marauding run down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that Diego Lopez slid into the back of the net, giving the visitors a 58th-minute lead.

FT: #GironaValencia

Points shared in a tight encounter at the Montiliv Stadium🤝#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/BbAyOg6v5p

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 15, 2025

Valencia's lead was short-lived, as Girona equalized just six minutes later. Cristhian Stuani, the club captain, made a decisive impact off the bench, scoring the equalizer just as he had done the previous week against Espanyol with a late penalty.

The match could have swung in either direction in the 72nd minute, but Arnaut Danjuma's spectacular effort from a tight angle was expertly saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who redirected the ball around the post. Mamardashvili continued to prove his worth between the sticks, making another crucial save to preserve a point for Girona. This time, he pushed Yaser Asprilla's effort away from goal, securing a hard-fought draw for his team.

The draw leaves Girona comfortably positioned in mid-table, seven points clear of both the top six and the relegation zone. In contrast, Valencia's struggles continue, with the team sitting just one point above the drop zone in 16th position.