Girona let slip a victory that seemed certain at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, drawing 1-1 with a Sevilla side that appeared harmless. The Catalan team had been leading since the start, but a slip by Echeverri in stoppage time allowed the equalizer, and in the dying moments, Stuani saw former Benfica player Odysseas Vlachodimos save a penalty that secured a point for the Andalusians in the 23rd round of La Liga. ⛔ The dream of every goalkeeper: Stopping a penalty in the last minute to save points for their team. Sevilla Girona | LALIGAEASPORTS | LALIGAHighlights | @Sevilla FC pic.twitter.com/Thjag QUBx G The match could not have started better for Míchel's side. Just two minutes in, Thomas Lemar, who hadn't scored in three years, opened the scoring. After an assist from Hugo Rincón at the edge of the area, the Frenchman shot low and accurately, putting Girona ahead. The early goal highlighted Sevilla's poor form and the discontent of their fans, who loudly expressed their dissatisfaction with the club's management throughout the first half. The home team, coached by Almeyda, failed to create any danger, with their luckiest moment coming from a risky back pass by Blind to Gazzaniga that hit the post. On the other hand, Girona could have doubled their lead, but goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos shone with decisive saves from shots by Lemar and Tsygankov, preventing a heavier scoreline by halftime. In the second half, Sevilla improved with the substitutions made by Almeyda, taking control of the game. Ejuke was the most restless player for the hosts, while Girona, who also lost Fran Beltrán and Vanat to injury, found themselves in a defensive posture, relying solely on counterattacks. Despite the Andalusian pressure, the Catalan defense, led by an excellent Arnau playing as an adapted left-back, held onto the lead. However, the game changed drastically in stoppage time. In the 90+2 minute, a slip by Echeverri in a forbidden zone was seized by Kike Salas, who, with a powerful shot, restored parity. The excitement didn't end there. In the last play of the match, a foul by Suazo on Iván Martín in the area resulted in a penalty for Girona. Stuani, brought on specifically for the penalty, allowed Odysseas Vlachodimos, Sevilla's hero, to make the save, securing the draw. The final whistle left a bitter taste for the Girona team, who felt they had lost two points, while the point gained also did not fully satisfy Sevilla's aspirations.
Benfica The Catalan remains central to this story.
Benfica The Catalan remains central to this story.
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