Girona 3-0 Real Valladolid: Michel's side emphatic as they return to winning ways

Girona snapped their six-game winless run across all competitions after cruising to a 3-0 home win over relegation-threatened Real Valladolid. 

Goals from David Lopez, Abel Ruiz and Arnaut Danjuma wrapped up the three points as Girona moved up to eighth place with 25 points.

The hosts dominated proceedings from the start and took the lead just past the half-hour mark when Miguel Gutierrez's free-kick deflected off Lopez and into the top corner.

Just eight minutes later, Ruiz doubled their advantage with a close-range header, with Gutierrez earning his second assist in his 100th Girona appearance with a perfectly weighted cross.

Mario Martin had Valladolid's only attempt in the match, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga to punch his long-range curler away from the far post.

Danjuma secured the victory in the 81st minute hitting his first-time effort past Karl Hein, netting for the first time since August to leave Valladolid second from bottom and four points from safety.

Data Debrief: Total dominance

Girona did not look like a side that had failed to win a match since November 22, but they made sure to end 2024 on a high with a much-needed win.

They attempted 23 shots in the match, their highest total in a LaLiga game so far this season, with their 2.49 expected goals (xG) tally a stark contrast to Valladolid's 0.02.

Last season's surprise package may still be eight points off the top four, but Michel will be hoping this is a sign of better things to come in the new year.

Meanwhile, Valladolid have now only won one of their last 11 away games against Girona in all competitions (D2 L8), failing to triumph against them since a Copa del Rey first-round tie in November 1975 (2-1).