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Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League journey continues with a visit to Girona’s Estadi Montilivi on Tuesday evening (5:45 PM GMT). As the Reds aim to maintain their flawless record in the competition, Girona manager Miguel Ángel Sánchez, known as Michel, has described the clash as a “dream” fixture for his side.
Team News: Liverpool’s Challenges and Girona’s Setbacks
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker could make his return after a two-month absence due to injury. While this is a boost for the Reds, they will still be without Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Tyler Morton. Adding to the list of absentees, Alexis Mac Allister is serving a one-match suspension.
Photo: IMAGO
For Girona, injuries to Bojan Miovski, Yangel Herrera (calf), and Viktor Tsygankov (adductor) have created selection headaches for Michel. Despite these challenges, the Spanish side will be eager to prove their mettle against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Form Guide: Contrasting Fortunes for Liverpool and Girona
Liverpool come into this game after an unexpected pause in their schedule due to Storm Darragh, which postponed the Merseyside derby. Their last outing, a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle, ended their winning streak in the Premier League but showed resilience under pressure.
Girona, on the other hand, are enduring a tough debut season in the Champions League. Currently sitting 30th in the 36-team table with just three points from five matches, they are struggling to find their footing on Europe’s biggest stage. Their recent 3-0 loss to Real Madrid highlighted the gap between them and Spain’s top-tier clubs. However, Michel’s side will take inspiration from their incredible journey to this point.
Girona’s Remarkable Journey Under Michel
Since taking the reins in July 2021, Michel has transformed Girona’s fortunes. The club’s rise from Segunda División to the Champions League in just three years is a testament to his tactical nous and leadership. After guiding Girona to promotion via the playoffs in 2021/22, Michel led them to a 10th-place finish in La Liga in 2022/23, followed by a historic third-place finish in 2023/24.
Speaking ahead of the Liverpool clash, Michel expressed his excitement:
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “At Rayo, I always sang ‘next year Rayo-Liverpool’ and it was a dream. After qualifying for the Champions League, they were an opponent I wanted. Playing at Anfield or here is the same, it’s a dream for everyone.”
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool’s Dominance in Michel’s Words
Michel’s admiration for Liverpool extends beyond their historic stature. He highlighted their tactical flexibility and intensity under Arne Slot, saying:
“They dominate all the concepts of the game. Their game is very dynamic, they change structure at any moment, and they have players with top intensity and pressure. If you get behind them, they are capable of winning duels… if they are in a low block, they are capable of defending the area because they are strong in the air.”
While acknowledging the Reds’ strengths, Michel remains optimistic about his team’s chances, adding:
“We will have to run more than ever. But it can be done, of course. They dominate everything and that’s why we have to think about ourselves, be ourselves, and give the best version of ourselves.”
A Match That Highlights Contrasts
Tuesday’s game offers a compelling narrative of contrasts: a Girona side fighting to find their place among Europe’s elite against a Liverpool team looking to assert their dominance. For Michel and his players, this isn’t just another fixture—it’s an opportunity to showcase their growth and compete against one of football’s giants. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it’s another step toward Champions League glory.
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