Girona’s Champions League debut at home ended in heartbreak as two own goals and a missed penalty cost them a chance at earning their first point in the competition. Despite moments of brilliance, the Spanish side fell to a 3-2 defeat against Dutch giants Feyenoord in a match marked by dramatic twists and costly errors.
A Promising Start Turned Sour
Girona entered the match with high hopes, eager to make a mark in their first-ever Champions League home game after a tough opening loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The anticipation from the home crowd at Estadi Montilivi was electric, and Girona began the match with purpose. Their efforts paid off early when 34-year-old defender David Lopez headed them into the lead in the 19th minute. His towering header from a well-placed corner seemed to set the tone for a historic night for the Spanish side.
Just four minutes later, disaster struck when Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, rising to meet a cross, saw his header deflect off Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera and into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. It was the first of two own goals that would plague the home side on a night of frustration.
Feyenoord’s Quick Turnaround
Feyenoord, undeterred by falling behind early, quickly capitalized on Girona’s misfortune. Just eight minutes after their equalizer, 17-year-old Antoni Milambo gave the visitors the lead with a composed finish. The Dutch teenager, showing remarkable composure for his age, latched onto a through ball and slotted it past Girona’s goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to make it 2-1.
Feyenoord had the chance to extend their lead further just moments later when Girona’s defense conceded a penalty after a clumsy foul on Timber. However, Gazzaniga came to the rescue, pulling off a fantastic save to deny Ayase Ueda from the penalty spot, keeping Girona in the game.
Girona’s Missed Opportunities
Despite their defensive lapses, Girona continued to fight back and created several chances to get back into the match. Early in the second half, they had a goal disallowed after an offside call, much to the frustration of the home fans. Their disappointment grew further when they were awarded a penalty after Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther fouled Bojan Miovski in the box. The former Aberdeen forward stepped up, but Wellenreuther redeemed himself with a crucial save, keeping the score at 2-1.
It was a missed opportunity that Girona would come to regret, as their failure to convert from the spot left them chasing the game with growing desperation.
Van de Beek’s Equalizer
Girona’s perseverance was eventually rewarded in the 71st minute when Donny van de Beek, the summer signing from Manchester United, scored his first goal for the club. The Dutch midfielder pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired it home, leveling the score at 2-2 and reigniting Girona’s hopes of earning at least a point from their first Champions League home game.
For Van de Beek, it was a moment of personal redemption after struggling to make an impact during his time at Manchester United. His goal seemed to have shifted the momentum in Girona’s favor as the Spanish side pushed for a winner.
Another Cruel Own Goal
In the 79th minute, Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and in his attempt to clear the ball, Girona defender Ladislav Krejci inadvertently turned it into his own net. The own goal handed Feyenoord a 3-2 lead and ultimately sealed the victory for the Dutch side.
It was the third own goal Girona had conceded in their opening two Champions League matches, equaling Fenerbahce’s record for the most own goals in a single Champions League season. However, Girona made unwanted history by becoming the first team to score own goals in each of their first two games in the competition.
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