Sevilla ended a six-match LaLiga losing streak against Girona with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi on Saturday. Dodi Lukebakio’s 88th-minute strike completed the visitors’ comeback after Saul Niguez had canceled out Arnau Martinez’s first-half header.
Match Recap
Sevilla had a chance to take an early lead when they were awarded a penalty just 67 seconds into the match. Oriol Romeu brought down Isaac Romero in the box, but Paulo Gazzaniga denied Romero from the spot, keeping Girona level.
The hosts capitalized on their reprieve in the 36th minute when Viktor Tsyhankov’s well-executed corner found Arnau Martinez, who headed Girona into the lead.
Sevilla responded after the break and equalized in the 59th minute. Saul Niguez, whose initial header was parried by Gazzaniga, latched onto the rebound and fired the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Sevilla struck late. Saul turned provider in the 88th minute, heading the ball into the path of Dodi Lukebakio. The forward showed composure to beat a defender and slot the ball past Gazzaniga, securing a crucial victory for the visitors.
Key Stats & Facts
- First Win Since 2018: Sevilla’s victory marked their first win over Girona in LaLiga since December 2018, breaking a six-match losing streak in this fixture.
- Rare Comeback Victory: This was Sevilla’s first away win in LaLiga after trailing at halftime since April 2021, when they defeated Celta Vigo.
- Girona’s Rare Slip: Girona lost a LaLiga match after leading at halftime for the first time since May 2023, when they were defeated by Real Betis.
Player of the Match
Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla): The forward was decisive, scoring the winning goal with a composed finish in the dying moments of the game.
What’s Next?
Sevilla will look to build on this momentum as they continue their LaLiga campaign, while Girona will aim to bounce back and maintain their strong start to the season.
