The LaLiga opener proved to be an instant goal fest with a quick capitulation from the home side and a wonderful performance across the board from the away side complete with a red card, penalty and shocking performances. The score was Girona 1-3 Rayo Vallecano. Here are some key takeaways.
Girona may struggle this season, perhaps moreso than the last. Girona are coming off of a Champions League campaign that distracted them from league football in the first part of the season, so perhaps expectations were a more impressive finish with full focus on domestic competition. It may look otherwise, as their home debut finishes in defeat by multiple goals.
Rayo Vallecano’s strong wing play and attacking presence could cause trouble this season. De Frutos in the attack netted a goal and assist for the Madrid-based team and was one of if not the best players on the pitch. Their defense wasn’t under too much pressure due to the first half red card on top of an overall mediocre performance by Girona.
Girona could still yet bounce back, but are lacking what they did in their cinderella season. Girona have incredibly promising players in the likes of Yaser Asprilla, Jhon Solís and Joel Roca who got on the mark today but will need higher quality players to pair them with in order to nurture them. Players like Viktor Tsigankov, who found an assist, is what the side need to find success.
Rayo Vallecano have not been tested in a significant way. Girona are trying to find their feet and best eleven as the season begins and don’t have the quality they once had in every position. Rayo Vallecano’s true tests will come later in the season and may better reflect their mettle.
The worst player on the pitch was Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentinian keeper conceded two goals in the first half and just as the half was drawing to a close got sent off, then leading to a third goal concession, putting Girona at an unbelievable disadvantage at the halfway mark. This may be the worst performance of his career and it may spark Girona to search for a new keeper.