Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Girona: Savinho seals Girona comeback

Rayo opened with a goal from Álvaro, but Girona answered through Dovbyk and Savinho, earning another victory for the league leaders as Real Madrid sat five points behind after a separate clash with Valencia tonight.

The dream persists. Girona endured a difficult moment yet claimed the win against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday at Vallecas, on matchday 13 of La Liga. They did so by staging a comeback for the sixth time this campaign and for the fifth time in which they triumphed: the Catalans fell behind to an Álvaro strike, but Dovbyk and Savinho found the net to lift the leaders five points clear of Real Madrid, who were scheduled to face Valencia later in the day.

The details of Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Girona of La Liga 2023-24

Girona’s comeback keeps them solo atop the table for at least another day. After a first half that ended level, Girona looked sharper on the Vallecas pitch and seemed to be in control, even as Rayo pressed with intensity. In the second half, the rhythm swung with both sides creating chances, while posts saved both teams on several key moments, tipping the balance toward Girona at crucial junctures.

From there, a rapid spell of football in favor of the home team saw Rayo push into the Girona half and threaten the lead. Yet Girona countered with greater cohesion in their build-up, exploiting space and linking play to threaten Dimitrievski’s goal. In a notable sequence, a combination between Yangel Herrera and Viktor Tsygankov finally opened space for Dovbyk, who appeared to finish, only for a deflection off Dimitrievski to set up Savinho for the late, decisive finish that sealed the comeback and the win for Girona.

Although Rayo pressed to restore parity, the tempo faded and Girona continued to press the counter. The Catalan side’s defense held firm as Girona created more clear chances and asserted control, securing the three points as Michel’s team reaffirmed its status as league leaders, heading into the next round with momentum and confidence intact.

Victory for Girona, who sit with 34 points and extend the unbeaten streak of a Rayo Vallecano that tastes defeat nine days after their previous triumph

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The video summary of Rayo Vallecano vs. Girona, from LaLiga 2023-2024: goals, best actions and controversies

82′ Cristhian Stuani cannot believe his miss! He thought he had the 1-3 in sight after Yangel Herrera’s cross found him at the far post, but the Uruguayan’s shot went wide, much to the surprise of players and fans alike.

79′ Arnau Martínez makes a promising run and delivers a superb cross with a Rabona, inviting Girona’s inside players to test Dimitrievski, though the finish flew over the bar.

74′ Radamel Falcao had a sight of goal after a well-worked move from Randy Nteka, but a defender’s intervention and tight coverage kept Girona ahead, denying a potential third.

71′ THE POST SAVES RAYO! A dangerous cross from Herrera finds Stole Dimitrievski scrambling, but the crossbar comes to Rayo’s rescue as the ball bounces away to safety.

65′ SAVINHO SCORES! 1-2 for Girona. The Brazilian finishes a sharp Girona move, a neat combination between Tsygankov and Ivan Martín setting up Artem Dovbyk, whose initial attempt is blocked but the rebound falls to Savinho who finishes decisively in close range.

REST! The match swung in the second half with Girona gaining control and Rayo pressing for a way back into the game. The home side opened the scoring early after a sustained period of Vallecas pressure, but Girona weathered the storm and found their rhythm, cutting through the defense with incisive passing and dynamic movement. The visitors grew into the game and eventually struck, turning pressure into a decisive lead and securing a victory that stretched their advantage at the top of the table.

42′ Gooooooal! Artem Dovbyk levels for Girona, finishing a precise move through the right flank as Tsygankov’s cross finds him at the far post and he slots past Dimitrievski to restore parity.

37′ STOLE DIMITRIEVSKI MAKES A STELLAR SAVE! The Macedonian goalkeeper denies Iván Martín after a smart diagonal run, keeping the scoresheet balanced as the home side push for an early advantage.

22′ FLORIAN LEJEUNE MAKES A KEY STOP! A hopeful ball to the far post is initially set up for Savinho and Iván Martín, with Dovbyk ready to pounce, but Lejeune’s intervention preserves the stalemate.

5′ Álvaro García puts Rayo ahead early, finishing from close range after Isi Palazón’s persistence in the area distracted Girona’s defense and opened a path for the finish at the left post.

XI OF LIGHTNING

XI OF GIRONA

The minute by minute of Rayo Vallecano vs. Girona, from LaLiga 2023-2024: goals, best actions and controversies

Source: Goal