Girona faces a major challenge in what will be the last match of a 2025 that has been largely forgettable. The red and whites face Atlético de Madrid, fourth in the table, at Montilivi this Sunday, aiming to extend the good result obtained in Anoeta and climb out of the relegation zone during the Christmas holidays. The match will be special for two players who, just a few months ago, competed under the orders of Cholo Simeone: Thomas Lemar and Axel Witsel.

Thomas Lemar arrived at Atlético in the summer of 2018, weeks before lifting the World Cup with France. The Madrid club paid 72 million to Monaco, the largest transfer until the arrival of João Félix. The attacking midfielder's performance declined, although he was important in the league title campaign of 2020/21. Currently on loan at Girona, his performance has been poor so far (only 7 league games) due to soleus problems, but he is expected to step up and provide verticality and offensive creation.

Axel Witsel was a different signing profile for the 'Colchonero' team, arriving free from Borussia Dortmund. Under Simeone, the Belgian was converted into a central defender. With Girona, Míchel has reconverted him back to midfield, where he has established himself as the best element for ball recovery and providing balance. This continuity (13 games, all starts) has allowed him to return to the Belgium national team and aspire to participate in the next World Cup.

Both players currently at Girona will try to forget their 'Colchonero' past to help their club secure the three points, a vital objective to face the holiday break outside the direct relegation zone, where they have been for fifteen of the first sixteen league matchdays.