Soccer Spain LaLiga 14 March 2023

Girona vs Atl. Madrid - Match Preview

If any neutral fan happened to stumble upon Girona’s last three La Liga (LL) matches (W2, L1) then they were in for a treat since a mammoth 18 goals were scored, contributing to the 76 goals their games have witnessed so far this season, a league-high. The last of those did, unfortunately, see Míchel’s men lose 3-2 to Getafe, but the consequence of that seems limited after winning three of their four matches prior (L1) to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.

The Estadi Montilivi faithful has undoubtedly benefited the most from the White and Reds' fearless nature, with Girona losing only once in their last eight home matches (W4, D3). The same can’t be said whenever they’ve lined up to face Atlético Madrid though, as they still await an inaugural H2H victory after seven failed attempts (D5, L2), their longest wait for a first win against any opponent.

Atlético will heavily fancy themselves to continue that run given their recent form, with their 6-1 hammering of Sevilla last time out stretching their unbeaten LL run eight matches (W5, D3). That result was enough to see Diego Simeone’s men end the last round in third place, as they aim to at least cement themselves as the ‘best of the rest behind front-runners Barcelona and Real Madrid.

If that is the goal, then hitting the road here may aid in their progress considering Atlético has amassed marginally more points on the road this season (24 away vs 21 at home). Being asked to conclude this round of LL fixtures only serves to sweeten the deal too given Atlético have lost only one of their last six away league fixtures played on a Monday (W3, D2).

📋 Players to watch: Girona’s Taty Castellanos enjoys home comforts, netting eight of his last 11 league goals at home. Atlético’s Ángel Correa enjoyed similar comforts when he scored a brace in the reverse fixture, contributing to him scoring the match-opener in all five of his goalscoring outings this season.

⚡ Hot stat: Prior to the weekend, the 18 games featuring Girona this season that has seen both teams score is a league-high.