Fourteen years on, Girona is back in ACB competition. From the entrance, one can feel the city’s devotion as it welcomes the return of a club that has consistently drawn attention for its bright development and its capacity to punch above its weight. A star-studded Marc Gasol returned to the floor with a project that captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike, rekindling the reputation he earned in Fontajau’s showcases. His presence alone stirred conversations about the potential for Girona to rise in the standings, drawing interest from the highest levels of European basketball and hinting at a future where big clubs like Barça, Madrid, and La Penya could soon face tougher opponents from this Catalan city. The season ahead promises more than a single game; it hints at a rising current that could recalibrate expectations across the league.
GIRONAS ENERGY ON DISPLAY! SOM D’ACB! #HoHemPetat pic.twitter.com/FSAl35o0F9
– Basketball Girona (@BasquetGirona) 19 June 2022
Certainly, Gasol played a central role, carrying the weight of Girona’s aspirations with a quiet determination that resonated with the fans. Although a knee injury left Leida’s semi-final performance clouded by doubt, the news that he had visited Fontajau in the early afternoon to test his condition brought relief. Seeing him warm up with the team and then on the court in the top five lines electrified the arena and lifted everyone’s spirits. Even when his level wasn’t at its peak, simply being on the floor was a morale boost that reinforced the belief that moments of doubt could be overcome.
power and speed
The game opened with Gasol setting the tempo, while Fjellerup immediately established a personal scoring streak, tallying seven points in rapid succession early in the first quarter. The team’s fundamental playbook—tenacious defense, brisk ball movement, and precise finishing—was on display. The early advantage favored Girona with a 4-9 execution that set the tone, though Estudiantes found a way to respond through Faggiano’s timely three-pointer, briefly shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors. Yet Fontajau’s energy remained palpable as Girona pressed, denying easy baskets and contesting every rebound.
In the second period, Vila sparked a breakthrough, and Girona pushed to their largest lead of the half at the moment, 14-22. Estudiantes answered with a 6-0 run, cutting the deficit to 20-22 and signaling that nothing would come easy. The Catalan side regrouped quickly, charging back with intensity and determination. A late sequence saw Dee, finishing as the Madrid club’s top scorer with seven points, connect on a crucial basket at the horn that edged Girona ahead 30-34 as the quarter ended.
fear of failure
The third period began with Girona pushing to maintain momentum, and Gasol reasserted control alongside Fjellerup to reclaim the lead. Fontajau erupted as a surge brought the score to 32-40, yet the team continued to wrestle with offensive droughts and rebounding gaps that allowed the opposition to stay within reach. Urtasun joined the frame with a +13 swing, extending the advantage to 39-52 as Beirán answered with a timely trey. The narrative carried a growing sense of belief, with Girona clinging to a 47-58 margin at the close of the quarter.
The final quarter opened with tense nerves surrounding Girona’s offense. The misseds and freezes in scoring became palpable, and the crowd sensed a turning point. Gasol rejoined the action, striking early with a post touch to pull the margin closer at 52-60. Faggiano crafted a late flurry that brought the score to 58-60 with under three minutes left, and the energy inside Fontajau swelled with the prospect of a dramatic finish. The game remained fiercely contested as Fjellerup delivered a timely burst of energy, and Gasol responded with a critical basket that narrowed the gap to 58-64 with 90 seconds remaining.
As the clock ticked down, the home team found another surge, aided by Fjellerup’s spark and Gasol’s resilient defense. The result carried a price tag of relief and pride for Girona, whose supporters felt the arena vibrate with joy as the final seconds ticked down. In the end, the outcome stood as a testament to the club’s enduring spirit and its capacity to compete at the highest level, preserving ACB status and signaling to the league that Girona is ready to test the strongest teams in the division. The night closed with the crowd savoring a win that felt like a small, hard-earned triumph, one that would be remembered as a turning point in the club’s ongoing ascent.