Yet, let’s not forget Girona’s remarkable 2023-24 campaign, where they ranked third in Spain’s top flight. It was always going to be a challenge for them to replicate that success this term, especially with the added emotion of Champions League football.
The Whites and Reds have been defeated in both of their Champions League matches this term by Paris Saint-Germain and Feyenoord. They are also without a win in their last four in Spain’s top flight—losing to Barcelona and Girona before drawing with both Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo in quick succession.
Michel’s side is currently 12th in the table with a record of two wins, three draws, and three defeats from their eight matches to collect nine points, which left them seven points off the top four.
Girona have managed to secure four points from their three home league matches this season. A win on Sunday would not only boost their standing but also lift the spirits of everyone connected with the club ahead of the international break.
The Catalans picked up a single point from their two league games with Athletic in the 2023-24 campaign via a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture. This draw was a result of a hard-fought match where both teams displayed their strengths and weaknesses.
Athletic also has European commitments this season, with the Lions competing in the Europa League. They will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 success over AZ, which gave them four points from their first two matches, leaving them in 11th position in the table.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are currently riding a wave of success, being unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions, including the last four in La Liga. They beat Las Palmas, Leganes, and Celta Vigo before drawing 1-1 with Sevilla last time out.
The Basque side has a record of four wins, two draws, and two defeats from eight league matches so far this campaign, leaving them fifth in the table on 14 points.
Athletic are only two points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid and will be expecting to be in the mix for a Champions League spot this term, though it remains to be seen how they balance domestic and European action if they advance deep into the Europa League. When the two sides last faced off in February 2024, the Lions bested Girona 3-2 and are also unbeaten against their opponents on Sunday-most recently with a 2-1 league success away in March 2019. This is a tough match for both sides off the back of European contests; Athletic are certainly in the better form, but Girona are strong on their ground, and we are expecting the points to be shared on Sunday afternoon, which both managers would probably accept if it were offered ahead of kick-off.