Soccer-Girona still believe ahead of top-of-the-table clash with Real Madrid

(Reuters) – When Real Madrid lorded it over Girona with a 3-0 win at the snug Estadi Montilivi in September it seemed like the Catalan upstarts had been firmly put in their place and that their audacious LaLiga title hopes had been fantasy all along.

Fast forward more than four months from that defeat, however, and the club many thought would most likely be in a relegation battle are still toe-to-toe with Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Real side, who they trail by two points.

Despite their initial setbacks, Girona have gone 15 league games unbeaten since that defeat, winning 11, and on Saturday can dislodge Real from top spot if they pull off a famous win at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Girona manager Michel has been downplaying his side’s chances of shattering the status quo in Spanish football by winning the title only seven years since the humble club first played in LaLiga.

For neutrals, and those desperate for a new narrative, Girona’s challenge to the elite has been a breath of fresh air.

Girona may be part of the same City Football Group stable as English and European champions Manchester City but they operate in another universe in terms of financial firepower.

Michel has constructed a youthful squad with an attacking style that is easy on the eye.

Ukraine striker Artem Dovbyk, who has a league-leading 14 goals this term, is a key player for Girona, while Brazilian winger Savio has been earning rave reviews.

Girona’s main strength is their unity and team spirit — fitting for a club from a fiercely patriotic Catalan city.

They have earned 22 points from losing positions this season and whatever happens on Saturday, Michel’s intrepid side will not be throwing in the towel.

Girona may also use a sense of injustice to fuel their desire this weekend after some controversial decisions against Sociedad.

Near the end of the draw, Girona’s fans chanted ‘Asi, asi, asi gana Madrid’ which translates as ‘That’s how Madrid win’.

Real also drew last weekend, 1-1 at home to fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, and have defensive headaches.

Nacho is almost certainly out due to a muscle issue while Antonio Rudiger is struggling with a knee injury. David Alaba and Eder Militao are also still sidelined so Real could have a patched up back four to deal with LaLiga’s most potent attack.

Ancelotti has maintained a positive outlook, saying, “We are leaders and we have another chance to make a statement win next Saturday,” as Real seeks to maintain their position at the top of the table.

The third-placed Barcelona will seek to keep their remote title hopes alive at home to struggling Granada on Sunday when Atletico, 10 adrift, visit Sevilla.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)