The final day of the 2023/24 La Liga season kicks off with a clash between two teams with contrasting stories, as Girona, arguably the story of the season, hosts Granada, already relegated. The home team has surprised most football enthusiasts on the continent by securing a Champions League spot for next season with their third-place finish, marking their very first experience in European football.
Although Girona technically has nothing to play for, the supporters at the Estadio Municipal de Montilivi will be in high spirits to show their appreciation for a historic season. The players in white and red will aim to finish the campaign on a high note and should approach the weekend in a festive mood, having won eight of their last 12 matches played on Fridays (1 draw, 3 defeats).
Granada’s calamitous season, which saw their relegation to the Spanish second division confirmed some time ago, will finally come to an end. Coach José Ramón Sandoval may be hopeful of helping his team finish on a positive note, as he has previously guided three teams to six wins in seven matches against Girona (1 draw).
However, he knows it will be a tough task for the Nasrids to end their season with a victory, as they have not won any of their four Friday matches this season (1 draw, 3 losses). Their supporters won’t expect much either, having endured disappointment after disappointment on the road, with Granada being the only team in the top 5 European leagues not to win an away match this season (3 draws, 15 losses)!
Players to watch: Sávio scored the first of his 11 goals this season during his team’s 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture. He might set us up for a special late drama as four of his last five goals have come after the 85th minute. Granada’s player Lucas Boyé found the net in the 85th minute in the reverse fixture, contributing to eight of his last nine goals being scored after halftime.
Hot stat: Granada is the only team in La Liga not to have been involved in a 0-0 draw this season.
Probable Lineups
Girona :Gazzaniga; Martinez, Lopez, E. Garcia, Blind; A. Garcia, Herrera; Tsygankov, Martin, Savio; Dovbyk
Granada : Martinez; Mendez, Rubio, Piatkowski, Neva; Gumbau, Villar, Ruiz; Pellistri, Boye, Rodelas
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