Without Ounahi, an impossible formula for Girona

GironaHaving spent most of 2025 losing, it's no surprise that Girona ended the year with another defeat. Unfortunately, they've grown accustomed to disappointment at Montilivi. Against Atlético Madrid, they offered virtually no resistance, and the points were already gone before halftime (0-3). They'll have to do much better in 2026, because Míchel's men will be ringing in the New Year in the relegation zone, and they'll need to fine-tune their approach during the winter transfer window, where reinforcements are expected to turn things around.

The year began with them gazing at the stars at San Siro and strolling around the Duomo, immersed in their historic Champions League campaign. But when the European adventure ended, the problems began. The commitment and effectiveness of the old guard, embodied by Stuani and Portu, saved them from the threat of relegation back to the Second Division, a threat that remains despite the passing months and the shake-up in the dressing room. Some new signings have struggled to fit in, others haven't, and many positions have been left unfilled. To top it all off, the game-changer, Ounahi, is now unavailable and could miss a month of competition if Morocco reaches the Africa Cup of Nations final – and they have the statistics to do so. Today, without Ounahi, Atlético Madrid's style of play has been nonexistent, and the improvement of recent weeks has been nowhere to be seen.

In fact, Míchel has been on thin ice several times, but he's managed to pull himself out of it, thanks to the confidence of the Girona management and winning crucial matches. It was fortunate that he won at Anoeta last week, bringing some calm, because otherwise, the setback against Atlético would have set off alarm bells again. The consecutive matches against Mallorca and Osasuna, two direct rivals, coming off their holiday break, will be key. There, mistakes will be unacceptable.

Simeone's men must have been surprised by the leniency shown to them by Girona, who only troubled them with a set piece and an isolated shot from Àlex Moreno towards the end. With the ball at their feet, they lacked any ideas. The set piece in question ended with a spectacular save from Oblak, who made a powerful save from a Witsel shot. That's all for Girona's attacking efforts, nothing intimidating.

Atlético's recipe? Hit the home side on the counter-attack. They capitalized on two, thanks to a fine shot from the edge of the box by Koke that found the top corner, and a less effective one from Gallagher, which Vitor Reis converted into gold, unfortunately deflecting the ball and wrong-footing Gazzaniga. The Madrid side were so comfortable they were able to pace themselves, but Griezmann extended the lead in the final play.

Jota retires

Before the match, Girona honored Josep Maria Luis, Jota, the first team's kit man since 2003, when the club was in the Tercera División (fourth tier), who is retiring today. He was joined at the ceremony by some of the club's most prominent figures from the past two decades, including Raül Agné, the coach who led the team to promotion to the Segunda División (second tier), and former captains Felipe Sanchón, Eloi Amagat, and Àlex Granell. "Everything has a beginning and an end; a wonderful chapter has come to a close, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed," he said. Thank you for everything, Jota.