Debutants Girona equalled a shocking own-goal record in the UEFA Champions League in their second game of the tournament
The UEFA Champions League lived up to its reputation as one of the biggest and most competitive tournaments in football history, with clubs taking to the pitch for their second fixtures in the new format of the competition.
Wednesday’s dramatic clash between Girona and Feyenoord will go down in Champions League history, though not for reasons the Spanish side would have hoped, as the newly promoted team equalled a shocking own-goal record in the league.
Girona suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat, but the match will be remembered for its chaotic and dramatic nature.
Girona’s Champions League debut has quickly turned into a defensive nightmare. Incredibly, the Spanish team has now equalled the competition’s all-time record for most own goals in a single season, and they've only played two games.
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This dismal record raises serious concerns about Girona’s ability to compete at the highest level of European football.
The match took a disastrous turn when Yangel Herrera scored an unfortunate own goal in the 47th minute, wiping out Girona’s early lead and giving Feyenoord a crucial lifeline. Girona managed to regain momentum, but Donny van de Beek soon equalized to make it 2-2.
Despite Feyenoord taking the lead at 2-1, Girona found hope when Ayase Ueda’s penalty was saved, giving them a chance to stay in the game. However, the Spanish side wasted a golden opportunity of their own later in the second half, as their penalty attempt was also saved.
In a devastating blow, defender Ladislav Krejci’s own goal in the 88th minute sealed Feyenoord’s victory, leaving Girona stunned and heartbroken.
This came after they had already suffered a late own goal in their previous match against Paris Saint-Germain. Girona now has three own goals in this Champions League season, tying the record set by Fenerbahce during the 2007-08 campaign, according to Opta.
With two consecutive losses in their opening group-stage matches, Girona will hope to turn their fortunes around when they face Slovan Bratislava on October 22, 2024, as they aim for their first win in the competition.
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