Girona vs. Atletico Madrid | La Liga | Pre Match
Girona vs. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid will be bidding to end their 2024-25 campaign on a positive note when they head to Girona on Sunday afternoon, a match that serves as a final opportunity for Diego Simeone’s side to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup while offering a chance to build momentum for a transformative summer. The capital giants have already secured third place in the La Liga table, a commendable achievement in a season where they have faced stiff competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid, but one that falls short of their ultimate ambitions. With 73 points already in the bag, Atletico’s position is unassailable, even if fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao were to match their tally, thanks to a superior head-to-head record forged through victories in both of their league encounters this season. However, their away form has been a persistent Achilles’ heel, with 11 of their 18 La Liga matches on the road resulting in dropped points, a statistic that underscores the challenge awaiting them at Montilivi. For Girona, the match represents a chance to salvage some pride after a deeply disappointing campaign that has seen them plummet from last season’s third-place heroics to a precarious 15th spot. With 41 points from 37 matches, Girona have narrowly avoided relegation, sitting four points clear of the drop zone, but their 18 league defeats—more than any team except the bottom two—highlight the extent of their struggles. The contrast between Atletico’s consistency and Girona’s regression sets the stage for a compelling encounter, one that carries different stakes for each side: for Atletico, it’s about maintaining professionalism and momentum; for Girona, it’s about ending a torrid season with a performance that can inspire hope for the future.
The capital giants will finish third in the La Liga table regardless of what happens in the final set of fixtures, but there is potential for movement for Girona, who currently sit down in 15th spot in the division, boasting 41 points from 37 matches. For Atletico, the security of third place is a testament to Simeone’s enduring ability to extract results from his squad, even in a season where they have fallen short in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. The Red and Whites have been a model of consistency at home, winning their last four league matches at the Wanda Metropolitano while scoring an impressive 15 goals in the process. However, their away form tells a different story, with only one victory in their last six road games and two losses in their last three. This inconsistency has been a source of frustration for Simeone, whose tactical philosophy relies on defensive solidity and clinical finishing, qualities that have not always translated away from home. The 4-1 thrashing of Real Betis in their most recent outing showcased the attacking potency of players like Julian Alvarez, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season with 29 goals in 53 appearances, but it also highlighted the need for greater resilience on the road. As Atletico prepare for their Club World Cup opener against Paris Saint-Germain in mid-June, this match against Girona offers a chance to address their travel woes and build confidence ahead of a tournament where they are expected to be serious contenders. The summer transfer window looms large, with Simeone reportedly planning significant signings to close the gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid, making this final league game a crucial stepping stone in their broader ambitions.
Girona were so exceptional last season, finishing third in La Liga, that it was always going to be difficult to repeat that feat, and the 2024-25 campaign has indeed been a testing one for the Catalan club, who find themselves mired in 15th place. Last season’s remarkable run, which saw Girona secure Champions League qualification under Michel’s astute leadership, raised expectations to unprecedented heights, but the reality of sustaining that success has proven elusive. At one point, the club was dragged into a relegation battle, a stark contrast to their role as overachievers in 2023-24. Their current tally of 41 points, secured through 13 wins, seven draws, and 18 losses, reflects a season of struggle, with only Las Palmas and Real Valladolid suffering more defeats in La Liga. The recent 3-2 loss to Real Sociedad, their 18th league defeat, encapsulated their difficulties, as they squandered chances to secure a result that could have lifted spirits. Girona’s home form has been particularly alarming, with eight losses in 18 matches at Montilivi, a venue that was a fortress during their breakout campaign. Michel, whose tactical ingenuity was lauded last season, has faced criticism for failing to adapt to the challenges of this term, with injuries and a lack of squad depth exposing vulnerabilities. The 4-3 victory over Atletico in the corresponding fixture last season remains a highlight, but the 3-0 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano earlier this campaign underscored the gap between the two sides. With their La Liga status secured, Girona’s focus is on ending the season with a performance that can provide a foundation for rebuilding, even as they navigate doubts over key players like Miguel Gutierrez, Gabriel Misehouy, and Donny van de Beek, and the confirmed absences of Ricard Artero and Bryan Gil.
Atletico have been in terrific form at home of late, but their struggles on the road and Girona’s desperation to end on a high note make this an intriguing matchup. Simeone’s side has relied heavily on the goal-scoring prowess of Alvarez, whose 29 goals have been a bright spot in an otherwise trophyless season. The Argentine’s ability to deliver in big moments has solidified his status as a cornerstone of Atletico’s attack, and his presence in the final third will be crucial against a Girona side that has struggled defensively. Conor Gallagher’s expected start in a wide role adds dynamism, though the potential benching of Antoine Griezmann, a club icon, highlights the depth of options at Simeone’s disposal. The only injury concern for Atletico is Pablo Barrios, whose muscular issue could keep him out, but the squad is otherwise in excellent shape. For Girona, the uncertainty surrounding Gutierrez, Misehouy, and Van de Beek complicates Michel’s preparations, and the absence of Artero and Gil further limits their options. The potential inclusion of Portu in the attacking third could provide a spark, but Michel may opt for continuity with the lineup that faced Real Sociedad. The historical context—Girona’s rare victory over Atletico last season juxtaposed against their recent struggles—suggests that the visitors hold the upper hand, but Montilivi’s passionate crowd and Girona’s desire to end the season positively could make this a closer contest than the standings suggest.
As both teams prepare for this final chapter of the 2024-25 La Liga season, the broader implications are clear. For Atletico, the match is about maintaining professionalism and momentum ahead of a crucial summer and the Club World Cup, where they aim to make a statement on the global stage. Simeone’s transfer plans, which reportedly include high-profile targets, reflect the club’s ambition to challenge for the La Liga title next season. For Girona, the focus is on rediscovering the spirit that propelled them to third place last term, even as they face the reality of a mid-table finish and a summer of potential upheaval. The clash at Montilivi, while not a title-decider, carries emotional and strategic weight, with Atletico aiming to assert their dominance and Girona seeking a performance that can restore faith in their project. As the final whistle approaches, the result will serve as a marker for both clubs’ trajectories, with Atletico looking to the future and Girona hoping to close a challenging chapter with dignity.
