Last weekend should have been the blockbuster occasion for La Liga, second-placed Girona traveled to Real Madrid at the top of the table, and were firmly beaten down by the champions elect. However arguably the best fixture in Spain is coming up next Monday.
While Premier League fans may be looking at the fixture list and wondering how to get their hands on Man City v Chelsea Tickets this weekend, fans in Spain should be looking to book their transport to Bilbao to head to San Mames this Monday night.
The reverse fixture between Girona and Athletic Club also occurred at 21:00 CEST on a Monday evening, as the pair shared the points following a 1-1 draw between the two. However numerous people online were dubbing it the best game of the season, despite the lack of goals or a winner.
The Catalan side have been the revelation of the season, blowing expectations out of the water, and the vast majority of the league away. They are the top scorers in Spain, and probably play the best football in the country too, based on an exciting, fast-paced passing style. At the sharp end of the pitch, Savio, Viktor Tsygankov and Artem Dovbyk form a trio that combines three different skillsets with entertaining results.
Meanwhile Los Leones have been highly entertaining too. Ernesto Valverde’s charges have left behind the idea that they struggle for goals and offensive production. Inaki Williams is arguably having his best season at San Mames, and his brother Nico Williams on the other flank definitely is. The latter could well be the most dangerous winger in the division so far this season, and has freed up Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta to wreak havoc on their opponents.
During the first game between the two, Tsygankov opened the scoring as Girona opened up the Athletic defence in a move that was instigated by Savio. The equaliser came just over 10 minutes later, in the 66th minute, with Williams cutting inside and thundering an effort into the corner.
What made the match so remarkable was the ambition both sides showed. Both Girona and Athletic pressed high and under pressure, tried to work the ball out from the back, making for a match that had acres of space in the midfield. Back and forth the forwards weaved up and down the park, in a rare game where both sides showed desire to win, and a belief that they had the quality to outdo the other side. La Liga fans will be desperate for anything close this Monday.
