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Girona's North Macedonian forward #19 Bojan Miovski reacts to failing a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 2 football match between Girona FC and Feyenoord at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on October 2, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)
Girona lost their first-ever home Champions League match 3-2 against Feyenoord on Wednesday, with two own goals helping the Dutch team edge a thrilling battle.
Both sides missed a penalty at the Catalan minnows’ modest Montilivi stadium.
Girona were the Spanish top-flight’s surprise package last season, eventually finishing third to reach the Champions League, and European football, for the first time in their history.
However, after losing various key players in the summer Michel Sanchez’s side have not found their stride this season.
Girona fell to a 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League opener, with goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s 90th-minute own goal settling the game in the French team’s favour.
Two more own goals from Yangel Herrera and Ladislav Krejci frustrated Girona against Feyenoord, and they equalled Fenerbahce’s record of three conceded in a Champions League campaign despite playing just two games.
“It was a great game for the spectators in which we did everything possible to win, we created chances, we have to continue — it’s a pity (to lose),” said Girona’s David Lopez, who opened the scoring.
“In the game we kept getting small setbacks that were stopping us… in the next match we have to get the three points, whatever happens.
“We have the squad and the team to be able to do it.”
Lopez sent Girona ahead after 19 minutes when the Spaniard turned home a rebound from close range.
However, four minutes later Quinten Timber’s header from a free-kick bounced in off Herrera to level the score.
Antoni Milambo finished coolly for the visitors, who lost their opening game 4-0 at home against Bayer Leverkusen, to put Feyenoord into the lead in the 33rd minute.
The Dutch side could have extended their lead shortly afterwards but Gazzaniga saved Ayase Ueda’s penalty after Ivan Martin felled the persistent Timber.
Girona midfielder Donny van der Beek had a goal ruled out for offside before the break.
Bojan Miovski won a penalty midway through the second half but
Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who conceded it, denied the forward from the spot.
Van de Beek levelled in the 73rd minute after a fine run by Arnaut Danjuma but Feyenoord soon hit back again.
Krejci deflected a cross past Gazzaniga into his own net in another stroke of bad luck for Sanchez’s side.
Girona host Slovan Bratislava next in the Champions League, while Feyenoord visit Benfica.
