Cristhian Stuani calms the hearts of Girona, who finally win again.

GIRONAPortu finished with ice packs on his thighs. Standing on the bench, Stuani was at his side. It's moving to see his love for a Girona side that, finally, three months later, beat Mallorca again (1-0). The step towards safety is gigantic: they have a six-point lead and twelve more to play for.

Far from grand ceremonies, Montilivi did nothing special. There was no reception, not even a decent entrance, unjustifiable despite the rain that preceded it. On the night that part of their chances of survival were at stake, Girona failed to attract 8,000 spectators. A bad sign, and one that leaves homework for the future. Self-criticism shouldn't just be about sporting matters in the summer; it must also be about society. Just a year ago, they had over 14,000 spectators, who cheered hard in the 4-2 victory against Barça that secured qualification for the Champions League.

Everyone is up for singing and dancing, but not so much for suffering. It's a fact of life, even if it's not ideal. This also applies to the locker room, as some items have been definitively marked, given the performance of Portu and Stuani. The dedication of the aging red-and-white rockers is unmatched. And it's in situations like the current one that it shows, not in the excesses of unrealities that only happen once in a lifetime.

Portu's display was tremendous. He created plays that didn't exist before, and cemented the esteem of a public that only wants to see their players strive. Stuani's instinct is also impressive. The Uruguayan is always alert, always well positioned, ready to do what he loves so much. Together they were the catalysts for the best Girona has seen in months. The third name was Yangel Herrera.

Girona looked very practical, in search of victory. Lacking aesthetics, but with passion. And that was enough, in fact. It took ten minutes to reap the rewards: Yangel Herrera unloaded a ball towards Portu, the Murcian sprinted down the byline, placed the ball inside the box, and, after a minor tangle between Blind and Iván Martín, Stuani slotted it into the back of the net. The Girona striker, who knelt on the turf, looking up at the sky with a laugh, has scored five of the team's last seven goals. There will never be another like him.

It was a shame that Míchel's team didn't finish the game off, taking advantage of the momentum. Greif was the visiting hero, with impressive saves from Portu, Yangel, and Tsygankov in the second half. Mallorca barely made any effort to advance. A Darder save stood out, allowing Gazzaniga to shine, keeping a clean sheet for the first time in the second half. At 1-0, the uncertainty was at its highest: the opportunity to secure half a place in the league couldn't be wasted. Portu had another chance, with too much time to think, but the Slovakian goalkeeper thwarted his plans. Montilivi responded fantastically, chanting his name. When he was substituted, the ovation was epoch-making. Like Stuani's, of course.

Final Drama

Then it was Blind's turn, dropped as a winger in the absence of the injured Miguel. The stadium was pumping, awake, aware that those minutes meant a lot. Every player was putting in the effort, without exception. Míchel didn't make any substitutions until after the 80th minute, with Leganés's disastrous record fresh in their memory. The final moments were dramatic, with a possible penalty by Krejci going uncalled and freezing the atmosphere. Whether it was or not, the victory is a treasure for Girona's permanence in the First Division.