Spanish media have hailed Girona's spirited Champions League display against Liverpool in what was a historic evening for the Catalonian side.
Arne Slot's side remained perfect in the Champions League this season thanks to a Mohamed Salah penalty, with the Reds prevailing at Montilivi with a 1-0 win over Girona. Had it not been for a heroic display from Alisson, returning between the sticks for the first time since October 5, then Liverpool would almost certainly have seen its perfect record dented by Michel's Girona.
However, in the end, Liverpool continued to its fine form in Europe, with the result meaning Slot has now guided the Reds to 19 wins from 22 games in all competitions this term. And here is how Spanish media reacted to the clash in Catalonia.
Jordi Quixano of El Pais' wrote: "The Catalan team, as lively on the pitch as they are useless in finishing, loses on a penalty and evaporates in Europe.
"They were Slot's Liverpool, the mirror team in the world of football. And Girona were once again dealt a bad hand in a competition that has not been theirs, slapped in the face by a mistake by Gazzaniga against PSG, knocked out by Feyenoord after flagellating themselves with two own goals, run over by PSV in Holland, revived by the victory over Slovan Bratislava and sunk against Sturm Graz.
Girona's Cristhian Stuani and his teammates
Girona's Cristhian Stuani and his teammates applaud their fans following the defeat to Liverpool (Image: Getty)
"Against Liverpool, although they put together a model match, although they enjoyed the best chances and managed to make a totemic opponent shiver, they received the final kick, the one that tells them that no matter how much they win the last two encounters (Milan and Arsenal), their presence in Europe seems to have an expiry date."
Sport called the evening of action at Montilivi a "historic" one, adding that Girona were "brave" against the best team in the world right now. They wrote: "It was a historic afternoon at Montilivi . UEFA's ban on the use of extra stands somewhat spoiled the image of a stadium full, despite the cold, to cheer on their team despite the fact that the chances of progressing to the next round are very remote. The feat was none other than trying to beat the best team of the moment: Arne Slot's Liverpool."
Alisson Becker kept a clean sheet against Girona
Alisson Becker kept a clean sheet against Girona (Image: Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
They added: "MÃchel can sleep satisfied with his team, who needed a little more accuracy to win. Girona was brave, had chances to get the three points and fell in a very dignified way against the best team of the moment . And this will never be forgotten in Montilivi."
And Mundo Deportivo called it a night Girona would not forget in a hurry. They wrote: "Girona lost their Champions League game against Liverpool by the narrowest of margins, having deserved much more, thanks to a goal from Salah from the penalty spot. The Catalans had the chance to get at least a point at home, although bad luck in Europe struck again on another Tuesday afternoon.
"The night at Montilivi was magical, different and unique. The 'Gironins' were able to stand up to the most in-form team in Europe against all odds, leaving a first half short of goals, but one that will be remembered for a long time."
Liverpool.com says: "There would be some supporters who balk at the idea of Girona being some sort of fairytale story due to them being owned by Manchester City's City Football Group. However, there were fans of Girona long before the City Football Group turned up in Catalunya and the Champions League clash against Liverpool will live long in their memories. They had chances to score against the Reds and had they been more clinical, they may have come away from the clash with a result."