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Barcelona’s Next Opponents Girona Have Quite The Story

By Laieke Abebe

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 26: Supporters wave pro-independence of Catalonia flags during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and UD Las Palmas at Camp Nou on September 26, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 26: Supporters wave pro-independence of Catalonia flags during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and UD Las Palmas at Camp Nou on September 26, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona’s next La Liga opponents, Girona FC, has one of the craziest stories of rising through heartache and adversity to make it to the top flight.

Over the last few years, La Liga has known two Catalan clubs that have played in the top flight of Spanish football for a long time. Those teams, Espanyol and Barcelona, have been local rivals over the years and continue to be the two biggest clubs in Catalonia. However, a new Catalan club has burst onto the scene after years of disappointment and struggles with debt. Girona FC was promoted to the top flight of Spanish football for the first time in their 87-year history.

The Blanquivermell secured promotion in June by getting a draw against Real Zaragoza in the Segunda division. They advanced as the second place finisher behind league winners Levante, who also earned promotion. Despite finally making it to the top, all things weren’t great with Girona especially if you look a few years back. In 2012, the club was sold to a new ownership group for just one euro. ONE EURO. They’ve also been really close to promotion before.

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In the 2014-15 season,  they had one of the worst collapses in recent memory. Girona had to beat Lugo on the last day of the season to win promotion to La Liga. They were almost there, but an equalizer in stoppage time sent them to the playoffs. This means that they would have to face a Segunda division opponent in an home and away two-leg playoff.

A 3-0 win at Real Zaragoza put them 90 minutes away from promotion once again. However, they lost 4-1 in the second leg at home which means that they lost the tie on the away goals rule and that ended Girona’s hopes. They are familiar with losing in the playoffs as they did so last season as well.

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All of these setbacks have led to this amazing conclusion for Girona. It is a captivating story with a happy ending. Girona have started the season very well. Despite blowing a 2-0 lead against Atletico Madrid, they managed to earn a point against one of La Liga’s best teams. Their first win in the top flight was a 1-0 win over Malaga. This weekend they play their biggest match in club history against Barcelona. All eyes will be on this Catalonia encounter when the time comes.