Two teams languishing at the bottom of the La Liga standings, both desperate to ignite their 2025–26 campaigns, will face off in a high-stakes clash on Saturday evening as Girona welcome Sevilla to Estadi Montilivi. This fixture, while early in the season, carries the weight of urgency and redemption for both sides, who have failed to register a single point from their opening two matches. Girona, currently rooted to the very bottom of the table, are in dire need of a turnaround, while Sevilla, sitting precariously in 18th place, are equally eager to avoid slipping into a prolonged slump that could define their season. The match promises tension, drama, and a glimpse into the resilience—or fragility—of two clubs that have seen better days.
Girona’s current predicament is a stark contrast to the heights they reached just two seasons ago. The 2023–24 campaign was a historic one for the Catalan outfit, as they defied expectations and soared to a third-place finish, securing European football and earning plaudits for their dynamic style of play under manager Míchel. However, the euphoria of that achievement quickly dissipated last season, as the team struggled to replicate their form and consistency. With only 41 points amassed across the campaign, Girona narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 16th—just a single point above the drop zone. That dramatic fall from grace has cast a long shadow over the club, and the early signs this season suggest that the hangover from last year’s struggles has yet to lift.
The opening two fixtures of the new season have been nothing short of disastrous for Girona. A 3-1 home defeat to Rayo Vallecano in gameweek one exposed defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion, while the subsequent 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Villarreal was a sobering reminder of how far the team has fallen. The manner of these defeats—particularly the lack of fight and organization—has alarmed fans and pundits alike. With zero points and a goal difference of -7, Girona find themselves in a precarious position, and another loss this weekend could deepen the crisis, especially with the September international break looming. The break could offer a chance to regroup, but only if the team can salvage some momentum beforehand.
Historically, Girona have enjoyed a relatively favorable record against Sevilla, winning six of their ten previous encounters. However, recent meetings have tilted in Sevilla’s favor, including a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season. That result, while narrow, underscored Sevilla’s ability to grind out results even during turbulent periods. Yet, Girona’s dominance in the head-to-head suggests that they may still hold a psychological edge, particularly when playing at home. Estadi Montilivi, while not the most intimidating venue in La Liga, has witnessed some memorable performances from the hosts, and the fans will be hoping for another spirited display to lift the gloom.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are grappling with their own demons. Last season’s 17th-place finish was their worst since the club was relegated in the 1999–2000 campaign, and it marked a dramatic decline for a team that had once been a fixture in the top four. Between 2020 and 2022, Sevilla consistently finished fourth, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair that made them one of the most formidable sides in Spain. However, the past three seasons have seen a steady erosion of that identity, with finishes of 12th, 14th, and now 17th painting a picture of a club in freefall. The departure of key players, managerial instability, and a lack of strategic direction have all contributed to their woes.
Under the stewardship of new manager Matías Almeyda, Sevilla entered the 2025–26 season with cautious optimism. Almeyda, known for his passionate approach and tactical flexibility, was tasked with restoring pride and competitiveness to a side that had lost its way. However, the early returns have been underwhelming. A 3-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on opening day showcased some attacking promise but also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. The subsequent 2-1 home loss to Getafe was even more concerning, as Sevilla failed to impose themselves and looked bereft of ideas in the final third. With two losses from two and a spot in the relegation zone, the pressure is mounting on Almeyda and his squad to deliver a response.
The narrative surrounding Sevilla’s recent struggles is compounded by their poor record against Girona in recent years. Despite winning the last meeting, Sevilla have lost six of their last seven encounters with the Catalan side, a trend that speaks to a broader issue of inconsistency and underperformance against teams they would traditionally expect to beat. This psychological hurdle, combined with their current form, makes Saturday’s fixture a potential banana skin. A defeat would not only deepen their crisis but also raise serious questions about their ability to compete at this level. While it may be premature to talk of relegation, the specter of another survival battle looms large, and the club must act swiftly to avoid being dragged into the mire.
In terms of team news, Girona are facing a number of selection headaches. Donny van de Beek and Yangel Herrera are both ruled out through injury, depriving Míchel of two experienced midfield options. Abel Ruiz, a key figure in attack, is also a major doubt, further complicating matters for the manager. On the positive side, goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga is available again after serving a suspension, and his return between the sticks will provide a much-needed boost. Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani, now 38 years old, is expected to lead the line, bringing experience and leadership to a side in need of inspiration. Daley Blind and Thomas Lemar are also likely to feature, adding quality and versatility to the starting XI.
Sevilla, too, are dealing with a raft of injuries and fitness concerns. Joan Jordan, Adnan Januzaj, Tanguy Nianzou, Akor Adams, and Stanis Idumbo are all confirmed absentees, while Ramon Martinez, Dodi Lukebakio, and Djibril Sow are doubtful. These absences have severely limited Almeyda’s options, particularly in midfield and attack. Isaac Romero is expected to start at centre-forward, tasked with leading the line and providing a focal point for Sevilla’s offense. Lucien Agoume, who has attracted interest from Manchester United during the summer transfer window, is likely to be handed a role in midfield, offering energy and creativity in the engine room. The squad’s depth will be tested, and the manager will need to rely on fringe players to step up and deliver.
Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, this match carries broader implications for both clubs. For Girona, a win would not only lift them off the bottom of the table but also restore some belief and momentum heading into the international break. It would signal that the team is capable of bouncing back and competing, even amid adversity. For Sevilla, three points would provide a much-needed reprieve and a foundation upon which to build. It would ease the pressure on Almeyda and offer a glimmer of hope that the season can be salvaged. Conversely, a loss for either side could trigger a crisis of confidence and set the tone for a long, arduous campaign.
The fans, too, will play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and energy of the match. Girona supporters, still clinging to memories of their remarkable 2023–24 season, will be eager to see their team rediscover that spark. Their vocal support could galvanize the players and create a hostile environment for the visitors. Sevilla’s traveling fans, known for their passion and loyalty, will hope to see signs of fight and determination from their side. The emotional stakes are high, and the outcome of this match could reverberate far beyond the ninety minutes.
In terms of style, Girona are likely to adopt a proactive approach, pressing high and looking to dominate possession. Míchel’s philosophy emphasizes fluid movement and quick transitions, and while the team has struggled to execute this effectively in recent weeks, the blueprint remains intact. Sevilla, on the other hand, may opt for a more cautious strategy, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. Almeyda’s teams are typically well-organized and disciplined, and he will be keen to avoid another open-ended contest that exposes his side’s vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, Saturday’s clash at Estadi Montilivi is more than just a battle between two struggling teams—it is a litmus test for character, resilience, and ambition. Both Girona and Sevilla have endured turbulent times, and this match offers a chance to rewrite the narrative. Whether it ends in redemption or despair will depend on which side can rise to the occasion and seize the moment. With the season still in its infancy, there is time to recover, but the urgency is palpable. The stakes are high, the margins thin, and the consequences real. Football, in its rawest form, will be on display—and for Girona and Sevilla, the journey toward revival begins now.
