The first defeat for Girona in 2026 is particularly painful, as it occurred on the field of the bottom team, Oviedo, who had not won since September. This result breaks the good momentum the team had gained after the turn of the year following three consecutive victories. The previous draw against Getafe at Montilivi (1-1) had already been a jolt, but the 1-0 loss at Carlos Tartiere leaves a new wound, as the team has dropped 5 points against direct rivals.
This stumble is an important wake-up call for a Girona side that had pulled away from the relegation zone, opening a 5-point gap. Despite still maintaining a slight cushion, the last two matchdays put Míchel's team back on alert. They realize that securing permanence will not be as easy as it seemed 15 days ago, when some were even daring to talk about Europe.
They will still have to fight hard to reach 42 points and secure permanence, and the Girona players already know that, if they are not at 100%, any team can cause them trouble.
Both in the draw against Getafe and the defeat against Oviedo, the goals conceded came from practically identical actions down the rival's left flank. The goal by Luis Vázquez at Montilivi and Ilyas Chaira's goal at Carlos Tartiere were a consequence of the ease with which the winger beat Hugo Rincón and delivered the assist, highlighting specific defensive issues.
The closing of the winter transfer market is expected to be quiet at Montilivi. Girona has incorporated Echeverri, Fran Beltrán, and Ter Stegen and has seen the departure of Livakovic, Solís, and Asprilla. Although Míchel desired an additional defensive reinforcement, it seems unlikely to arrive, although the sporting management remains attentive to possible last-minute opportunities, such as the Ukrainian striker Pyshchur.
