Girona Escape Relegation Zone after Draw with Real Sociedad

Key Takeaways:

• Girona battled to a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, moving out of La Liga’s relegation places
• Cristhian Stuani scored the equaliser in the 66th minute, securing a second consecutive head-to-head unbeaten result against Real Sociedad
• Girona now stand three points above the drop zone and just three points adrift of 11th-placed Valencia, while Real Sociedad extended their winless league run to six matches

Match Analysis

Girona welcomed Real Sociedad to Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, desperately seeking points in the closing stages of their relegation battle. Beginning the fixture in 19th, Girona wasted no time displaying their intent as Joel Roca tested Alex Remiro early on, though his strike was comfortably collected. The hosts nearly broke through inside four minutes, with Viktor Tsygankov’s effort tipped onto the post by Remiro, while his subsequent free-kick drifted just wide.

Despite Girona’s attacking initiative, Real Sociedad threatened on the break, with a rapid delivery from Remiro setting Ander Barrenetxea free for a flicked shot that Paulo Gazzaniga managed to block. The Blanquivermells continued to create openings, as Azzedine Ounahi’s interplay found Arnau Martinez in the box, but the opportunity went begging as the captain squandered his attempt, sending the ball out for a throw-in.

Empat a Montilivi pic.twitter.com/mA0dBWsxXo

— Girona FC (@GironaFC) May 14, 2026

Key Moments and Turning Points

Against the run of play, Real Sociedad capitalised on a weakly-conceded corner in the 28th minute, allowing Jon Martin to rise above three Girona defenders and nod home Sergio Gomez’s delivery. The visitors were dealt an injury setback shortly after, with Barrenetxea forced off, yet they retained their advantage, fending off further Girona attacks – including Tsygankov nodding wide and Remiro producing a sharp save to tip Ounahi’s shot onto the crossbar.

Second Half: Girona’s Response

After half-time, Girona sustained their pressure as Tsygankov’s shot was blocked within two minutes of the restart. Roca continued to threaten, curling narrowly past the post and seeing a header deflected into the side netting. La Real’s Mikel Oyarzabal resorted to dragging down Ounahi to halt a counter, collecting a caution for his actions.

The home side’s resolute effort finally paid dividends in the 66th minute. Cristhian Stuani, introduced at the interval, converted Arnau Martinez’s low delivery with a precise first-time finish, igniting jubilant scenes among the Girona faithful.

Late Drama and Standings Impact

Manager Michel introduced Claudio Echeverri late on in search of a winner, but the Argentine’s strike rolled agonisingly wide as Girona settled for their second consecutive draw. The result saw Girona climb four places, sitting one point above the relegation zone and three points behind 11th-placed Valencia. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s barren spell stretched to six La Liga matches without a victory.