Girona lost further ground in the LaLiga title race as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Getafe at the Estadio Coliseum.
Jesus Santiago rounded off a well-worked move in the 33rd minute to score the only goal of the game for Getafe, who moved into the top half of the table with victory.
Leading scorer Artem Dovbyk missed a handful of chances in the second half for Girona and defeats means the Catalan surprise packages are now 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid following their win at Osasuna on Saturday.
Getafe had their hearts in their mouths in the 11th minute when the referee was sent to the VAR screen after Omar Alderete pulled Cristian Portu back on the last line of defence, but a yellow card was deemed sufficient punishment.
Chances were at a premium during the opening stages but Getafe forward Mason Greenwood chanced his arm from 25 yards with an effort that flew comfortably wide midway through the half.
However, Getafe would break the deadlock soon after the half-hour mark thanks to Santiago. Ilaix Moriba’s pass unlocked the Girona defence and found teenager Santiago who smashed his shot across goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and into the net.
Girona, who had lost four of their previous five away games, looked for a rapid response and their biggest chance of the half came just before the break when Portu smashed an effort towards goal. The shot looked to be heading in via a deflection only for Getafe to scramble it away.
Girona started the second period the stronger of the two sides and had the first opening of the half as Dovbyk picked up possession outside box before seeing his shot flash a whisker wide of the target.
The visitors were starting to put the pressure on in search of an equaliser and Savio’s clever low drive into the box was diverted wide by Dovbyk.
Getafe looked to respond and were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out. The distance did not deter Oscar Rodriguez, who fancied his chances, but he blasted his shot straight into the grasp of Gazzaniga.
Getafe had a better chance to double their lead when a cross fell to the unmarked Moriba inside the box but he sent his header wide of the target.
Time was running out for Girona and Dovbyk mustered another opportunity for himself when he cut into the box but fired straight at keeper as the score remained 1-0.
All the chances were falling to Dovbyk and this time Savio’s inswinging cross found the Ukraine international, but his header was saved by David Soria who ensured Getafe held on to claim their first win in five games.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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