The visit to Montilivi was presented as a great opportunity for Athletic to close the gap on one of the rivals who were ahead of it in the table with strong aspirations in addition to finishing in the Europa League. Girona, the surprising leader of the First Division at the start of its fourteenth day, is ten points ahead of Valverde’s team. The difference between winning or not winning this rivalry is clear.
YoThe numbers that Míchel’s team have shown so far are impressive. Eleven wins in thirteen games, one draw and one loss. The only rival who has brought them to their knees in the championship is Real Madrid, who won 0-3 in the same phase in which the lions are competing now.
dAnd that’s what it’s all about, competing. Athletic already know how Girona spend their time since the Madrid coach landed in those parts. In the last League, without going further, they won both in San Mamés and in their own stadium.
ANDThe additional problem for Valverde’s students, from this point of view, is that the Girona club got stronger and better last summer. Numbers rule. More than their own haul of points, 34 out of 39, Girona scored 31 goals and He received 16. His football also flourished at a high level.
RIt will be imperative for Athletic to come off the hook tonight before the ball even starts rolling. The lions have the double challenge of improving defensively and of maintaining, at the very least, the offensive and scoring levels of recent days to aim to topple this surging Girona. There is a fight.
Source: La Verdad

I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.