David Lopez's name will forever be etched in Girona history after he scored their first Champions League goal, but there was little cause for celebration for the defender after self-inflicted wounds led to a 3-2 home defeat to Feyenoord.

Girona’s maiden Champions League campaign started with a 1-0 loss at Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago, with goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga scoring a late own goal.

On Wednesday, two more own goals, as well as a missed penalty, saw them lose 3-2 to Feyenoord to remain without a point in Europe's premier club competition.

After just two games in the competition, Girona have already equalled the record for the most own goals conceded in a single Champions League campaign, matching Fenerbahce in 2007-08.

However, Michel's men had enough chances to take something from the game, a fact that was not lost on Lopez.

"It was a great game for the spectators in which we did everything possible to win. We created chances, we have to keep going, it's a shame," he told reporters.

"During the match we were receiving small blows that slowed us down. But I am left with the belief that we did not give up at any time."

Girona may be left with a feeling of what might have been, having enjoyed a 64% possession share and attempted 13 shots at goal. 

Next up in the Champions League, they have a home fixture against Slovan Bratislava, a chance to kick-start their European season.

"In the next match we have to keep the three points here no matter what. We have enough quality in the squad to be able to do it," Lopez said.

Michel wants to see Girona turn in more performances of the level they showed against Rayo Vallecano in midweek, despite the fact they drew that game 0-0.

Winless in four consecutive games in all competitions, last season's surprise LaLiga challengers Girona dominated proceedings on Wednesday with 70% possession, accumulating 2.0 expected goals (xG).

Having gone toe-to-toe with giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for much of last campaign before eventually finishing third, Girona now sit 12th in the LaLiga standings on eight points from seven matches.

They face Celta Vigo on Sunday, and ahead of that match, Michel said: "We shouldn't compare ourselves to last year because we are a different team.

"I really liked the team against Rayo, and if we had that level and continuity before against Valencia (a 2-0 loss) and Barcelona (a 4-1 defeat), I would be very happy.

"Rayo didn't score against us, they were defending the whole game and that's not easy to achieve. I'm convinced that we need to give continuity to the idea we had the other day, only then will we be close to winning more games."

Girona sold LaLiga's top scorer from last season, Artem Dovbyk, to Roma over the summer, but Michel is not concerned by a lack of goalscoring prowess from his side.

"We have the capacity to finish more plays and we have to find the timing to do it now. This is our concern and the training sessions are going in that direction," he added.

The Spaniard was full of praise for Celta, who are 10th in LaLiga with one more point than Girona.

"They have started the league well," Michel said. "They are the best team in terms of ball circulation, and they do things very well.

"They are a team that hurts you with the ball and that's why we have to impose our game, make good possessions and arrive well in the opponent's half and in the opponent's goal."

Girona coach Michel said his side deserved more after they drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.

Winless in four consecutive games in all competitions, last year's surprise challengers Girona dominated proceedings with over 70% of possession but were wasteful, missing several clear chances.

Indeed, Girona had three big chances (defined by Opta as an opportunity from which a player would reasonably be expected to score), and accumulated 2.22 expected goals (xG).

Michel said: "Football is about goals and we didn't score. But the team was fine out there, we were able to push Rayo back against the ropes and played a very good game.

"The team deserved to win, I approve of the team's performance today. I have no doubts. We lacked quality and determination up front, but we generated enough to win today.

"They didn't put us under pressure, they didn't steal from us and we had three or four very clear chances to score. On Saturday's 2-0 loss against Valencia we weren't good, we didn't generate anything and I was worried.

"Today we did, perhaps not as much for what we could have had, but we did spend a lot of time in the attacking zone. With the flow of play we had, we should have shot 25 times, not only 12."

Girona are 12th in the standings on eight points, 13 behind leaders Barcelona. They visit ninth-placed Celta Vigo on Sunday before hosting Feyenoord in the Champions League next week.

Michel admitted that Girona are no longer the same team that took LaLiga by storm last season and urged them to rediscover their identity.

Girona were the surprise package last season, going toe-to-toe with Real Madrid and Barcelona in the title race before eventually finishing third in LaLiga.

However, the club let go of Golden Boot winner Artem Dovbyk, who scored 24 LaLiga goals last season, and influential midfielder Aleix Garcia in the transfer window.

Though they brought in reinforcements, including Donny van de Beek from Manchester United, they have not yet found their rhythm, losing each of their last three games in all competitions. 

In that run, which includes a 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League debut, they have managed a combined eight shots on target from 20 attempts, and netted just one goal, failing to score in each of the last two. 

"Things happen for a reason," Michel told a news conference. "Our reality is that we have lost three games in a row, and it is difficult because people expect the team to win.

"Right now we are not the team we were last year, we are another one."

"With the ball, we are not hurting the opponent and this means that we have to suffer. We must play with fewer touches and be able to look up and for that I need high intensity. This is a machine that has to work now.

"Right now we are 12th and that is our reality. We have to improve to win games continuously as people expect. We have to go through the process, and we will suffer."

Winger Portu is available after an ankle knock, giving Michel a fully fit squad as he prepares to face the club where he spent most of his playing career and took his first steps into management.

"It's a special match which I never enjoy. It will always be like this," Michel added. "[Rayo] is the club where I have lived, and my life is in Vallecas.

"They are a great team in every way. They are the team that presses the most and best in the league, and they have a higher intensity than anyone else. It isn't easy to create scoring chances against them."

Girona head coach Michel has tasked his players to "turn the page" following their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on their Champions League debut. 

Girona frustrated their Parisian hosts, restricting Luis Enrique's side to just five shots on target from the 26 they attempted.

However, Blanquivermells hearts were broken in the 90th minute after Nuno Mendes' harmless delivery slipped through the hands of Paulo Gazzaniga. 

But the Catalan club's focus now returns to league action, having started the season with seven points from their opening five fixtures. 

Michel's side travel to the Estadio de Mestalla to face bottom-placed Valencia, a team they have enjoyed relative success against in recent years. 

Girona have won four of their eight meetings with Valencia in LaLiga (L4); only against Sevilla (six) have they achieved more wins in the top-flight (four also against Rayo Vallecano, Las Palmas and Celta Vigo).

And Michel insisted that despite their late defeat in midweek, his players are ready to return to winning ways. 

“The team is back to thinking only about LaLiga,” Michel told reporters.

“In situations of maximum physical and emotional exhaustion, perhaps there are still players who are still recovering. But our squad is very prepared.

"We need to be at our best, and we need the team switched on.

"After the historic game against PSG, people who have been playing for more years can turn the page quicker.

"Now, my job is to detect which players are in a better state of mind. We have shown that we are a small team with pride.

"That's why I need the people to be on board, to give the maximum help to their teammates."

Valencia have endured a difficult start to the campaign, picking up one point from their first five games. 

This weekend's hosts have now failed to win in their last 12 games in LaLiga. Their last joint longest winless streak was from November 2015 to February 2016.

Michel also boasts an impressive record against Valencia, winning three of his six league games against them (D1 L2). 

Only against Sevilla (five) has the Girona head coach recorded more wins as a top-flight coach (three, also against Alaves, Celta Vigo and Osasuna). 

Despite Valencia's slow start to the season, Michel was under no illusion that this Sunday's trip would be anything but easy. 

“Valencia will be a demanding game. They have only taken one point, but they are a team with very good players. At home, they are very dangerous," Michel said. 

Girona boss Michel says he is confident his side have what it takes to be contenders for the LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles after a season in which they lit up Spanish soccer as a surprise package.

Backed by the wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners and only four years after being promoted to Spain's first division, Girona went toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the title race last season, beating Catalonia rivals Barcelona twice before finishing third and qualifying for European football for the first time.

"We have a balanced squad, perfect to go out there and compete in all competitions," Michel told a press conference ahead of his side's LaLiga clash at Sevilla on Sunday.

"We are the team that recovered the most balls in the opposition's half in the first three matches of the season, a step up from last year, when we were sixth from bottom.

"I really don't care about the system we use, I care about our performance on the pitch, the way of doing things. We want numerical superiority with the ball and to regain it as quickly as possible."

Michel praised the club's effort to revamp the squad with new signings in the close season, having lost several of his key players from last year.

Although winger Savinho, striker Artem Dovbyk and versatile midfielder Aleix Garcia have all gone, Michel said he believed the arrivals of the likes of Abel Ruiz, Donny van de Beek, Bryan Gil and Arnaut Danjuma would help his side step up.

Girona will face the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and AC Milan in the Champions League this season.

"Everyone is happy at the club because we have taken a step forward. Last year we had players on loan and only Danjuma, Bryan (Gil) and Oriol (Romeu) have come in this situation," Michel said.

"I think we have a good squad for the style of play we want to show, and I think we are versatile enough to have a good year."

Girona are seventh in the LaLiga standings on four points in three games, five behind leaders Barcelona. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Girona head coach Michel has called for patience following his side's lacklustre start to the LaLiga season ahead of their meeting with Osasuna on Thursday. 

Michel led the Catalan side to a third place finish in the division last year, but they have taken one point from their first two games, including a 3-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last time out. 

Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Koke's strikes inflicted Girona's heaviest defeat since a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid back in February. 

But Michel is unconcerned by his team's recent results, however, he acknowledged that his players are far from where they want to be in their preparations. 

"I look at the process, the performance, not the results," Michel said."I think we're far from our best, but I'm convinced we'll play a great game (on Thursday).

"The team is ready. Atletico are one of the big candidates (to win) LaLiga. We're not so bad like it may have looked like..."

Due to their impressive displays which saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history last year, a number of Girona's star performers have departed the club. 

Last season's top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, left for Serie A side Roma, while winger Savinho, who was on loan last season, has joined Manchester City. 

Aleix Garcia was also signed by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, with Michel having to delve into the market to try and fill those gaps. 

Girona have strengthened with 10 new additions, the most recent of which was announced last week as Watford's Yaser Asprilla joined for a club-record fee. 

Despite being backed by the wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners, Girona are unable to spend the finances compared to Pep Guardiola's side, who headline their City Football Group stable.

However, Michel has called on supporters to get behind his players to help them return to form, starting on Thursday night at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. 

"We need the fans and the best version of ourselves," Michel said.

"Last year we had a great communion, the fans helped us to win points at home. That's why I ask our fans to be with us, together we are stronger.

"We have not been able to work as we wanted with this new group together in the close season.

"The team understands what we want, but it's true that we need to connect more. I am convinced that we will do it quickly."

Michel is optimistic about Girona's chances of extending last season's remarkable LaLiga run into their 2024-25 campaign, which begins at Real Betis on Thursday.

After a third-place finish in the standings, their best ever, Girona secured a place in the Champions League for their first taste of European competition.

Though Girona may have lost the element of surprise, Michel is confident the club will continue their upward trajectory.

"I don't have a crystal ball to know where we will sit in the end [of the season], but I'm convinced that, with collective thinking in defence and attack, we will have a great season," Michel told a press conference on Wednesday.

"The objective is the club's growth and to always honour their colours. All the players who are here must be players who have that feeling and understanding, that playing here is a source of pride and that they are doing it for our people. That is the objective we have as a club: growth, growth and growth."

The Spaniard added that he still expects new signings to arrive before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August.

Michel, whose project was constructed around a youthful squad with an attacking style, has lost several of his key players in the transfer window so far, including winger Savinho, who moved to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, striker Artem Dovbyk, who scored 24 league goals last season, left for Serie A side Roma and versatile midfielder Aleix Garcia was signed by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

To make things worse ahead of a difficult clash at Manuel Pellegrini's Betis, he will be missing at least three players due to illness.

"The sports management and I have the same way of seeing things," Michel added. 

"It is true that the process has been complicated and difficult because important players have left. We had problems during the offseason and now with this virus, but I am convinced that we will make the best possible squad."

Michel saluted an "incredible" season for Girona, but admitted it will be hard for his side to emulate their exploits next term.

The Blanquivermells have enjoyed a campaign to remember in LaLiga, topping the table on several occasions before eventually finishing third and securing Champions League qualification for the first time.

Michel's side capped the season with the biggest win in the club's history, as Artem Dovbyk scored a hat-trick in a 7-0 rout of already relegated Granada at Estadio Municipal de Montilivi.

Their final total of 81 points makes them one of only four teams to reach that tally in LaLiga's current format, along with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

But Michel already has his sights set on next season, during which he knows Girona will have to work hard to repeat their success - especially with several players expected to leave the club.

"I'm feeling a bit down because good things are over," he told reporters. "We achieved something very important. The day-to-day of the season has been incredible.

"The counter resets to zero. We will start to fight for a great season to come, and that's what we will do from tomorrow onwards.

"The dynamics of football tell you that there won't be the same players or the same season. The problem is that many people will be missed.

"We are growing, and we have to continue taking steps forward. We have to lay the first stone, rest, recover, celebrate this great success and, from next week, start planning to put Girona as high as possible."

Girona are hoping to round off their most successful campaign in LaLiga with victory against Granada on Friday, while Artem Dovbyk is in the hunt to finish as the league's top scorer.

Michel's team, the surprise package of the season, already know they will finish third in the standings behind champions Real Madrid and runners-up Barcelona.

Girona, whose previous best finish was 10th in 2017-18 and 2022-23, have clinched their place in next season's Champions League and simply want to enjoy their outing on Friday.

"Tomorrow the stadium will be full and afterwards we want to celebrate with our fans," Michel said on Thursday. 

"The best way to end the season is to win and make the fans proud, that's what we're playing for. We have to end the season in the best way possible, which is to win. 

"If we do it with two goals from Dovbyk, that's even better. We have a chance for him to finish as top scorer and for us to surpass 80 points. We will try to win for him."

Dovbyk, who has netted 21 times this season, is two goals behind Villareal's Alexander Sorloth and two ahead of Madrid's Jude Bellingham.

After enjoying such highs this season, their 24 league wins including thumping home and away victories over Barcelona, Michel has already turned his attention to the future.

"It worries me because we need to build a competitive squad for the big year ahead. I would like to keep a lot of people, but I know there are players who are not ours and who have to go back to their teams," he said.

"However, I think we will do things right and I am convinced that we will have a top squad that will be able to compete in all three competitions."

Girona let an away win slip as Jon Guridi's last-gasp effort snatched a 2-2 draw for Alaves on Friday to leave the visitors' hold on second place in the LaLiga in jeopardy.

The visitors grabbed an early lead through defender Eric Garcia's towering header off a corner only four minutes into the game before Guridi equalised in the 12th with a close-range finish.

Despite Alaves looking more dangerous, Girona restored their lead just before half-time thanks to Yangel Herrera's superb strike into the top-right corner.

Michel's side had chances to extend their advantage after the break, but Guridi scored his second deep into stoppage time after capitalising on a loose ball in the box to seal the draw.

Girona have 75 points, only two clear of Catalan rivals Barcelona, who host Real Sociedad on Monday. Real Madrid have secured the league title, sitting on 87 points with four games left.

Alaves remain 11th with 42 points.

Data Debrief:

Guridi, who scored the first LaLiga brace of his career (63 appearances) against Girona, scored Alaves' latest goal in the competition in the 21st century at 98:37.

Girona are unbeaten in their last four LaLiga matches but missed the chance to make it four wins on the bounce in the league for the first time since a run of five in November 2023. 

Girona boss Michel has called on his team to end their remarkable season on a high by finishing second in LaLiga, ahead of Friday's trip to Alaves.

Girona fought back to beat Barcelona 4-2 last weekend, a result that left Real Madrid with an unassailable lead in the table as they clinched a record-extending 36th Spanish top-flight title.

It also ensured Girona confirmed Champions League qualification with four games to spare, putting them 13 points clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao and taking them above Barca into second.

Girona's previous highest finish in the Spanish top flight is 10th, which they achieved in both 2017-18 and 2022-23, and Michel is now keen to add further gloss to an unforgettable campaign.

"The objective is to be second and we need to win all four games, although we go game by game. Right now the team is above Barca and the objective is this," Michel told reporters on Thursday.

"We are now a rival of Barcelona because they are below us and we have the same objective. But until now we were not.

"If our objective is to compete against Madrid we will always be in a situation where we don't reach our objective and I don't think that's fair because Madrid, Barca and Atletico are made for other things. Now, we have earned the chance to fight against two of them."

The Spaniard said Girona, who will be without striker Cristhian Stuani and midfielders Borja Garcia and Jhon Solis through injury, cannot afford to take their foot off the gas, warning Alaves will pose a threat.

"I expect a very difficult and complicated game, but I don't expect Alaves to be any different to what we've seen all season," Michel said.

"They have a spectacular transition, with players with a lot of speed. They are a very good team with a very good dynamic and very well-worked. That's why we have to be at our best.

"In attack we have to be able to find the space to cause damage. But they are a team that controls very well in defence and they know how to run very well."

Fine finishes from Portu and Savio sent Girona back above Barcelona into second place in the LaLiga table courtesy of a battling win over Osasuna.

Portu’s sweet first-half strike and a deft toe-poke from Savio sealed a 2-0 victory at the Municipal de Montilivi Stadium in which Michel’s men created enough chances to have won far more comfortably.

Girona went ahead with 13 minutes gone when Ukraine international Viktor Tsygankov’s reverse pass allowed striker Portu to burst clear and fire low across keeper Sergio Herrera and open the scoring.

Striker Ante Budimir headed high over from a promising position and former Girona full-back Johan Mojica dragged a 30th-minute shot from distance just wide as the visitors responded.

Osasuna’s Jon Moncayola curled an attempt wide from 22 yards seven minutes before the break with the hosts struggling to build upon their early breakthrough, and they headed for the dressing room still only a goal to the good.

Girona striker Artem Dovbyk fired wastefully wide three minutes after the restart after Portu and Tsygankov had combined to set him up, and he only just failed to get on the end of Miguel Gutierrez’s 53rd-minute cross.

Defender Jorge Herrando blocked efforts from Tsygankov and Daley Blind in quick succession and the home side were incensed not to be awarded a penalty after Savio went to ground under Alejandro Cateno’s clumsy challenge, with VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande backing referee Mateo Busquets’ original decision.

Herrera clawed Dovbyk’s 64th-minute header off the line with Girona pressing for a second, and substitute Cristhian Stuani passed up a glorious opportunity eight minutes from time when he ballooned a shot high over after going one on one with the keeper.

Savio saw an 85th-minute strike ruled out for a foul during the build-up, but was celebrating within seconds when he ran on to Aleix Garcia’s back-heel to cement the win.

Jude Bellingham made it 20 goals for the season as he and Vinicius Junior teamed up to put Girona to the sword and send Real Madrid five points clear at the top of the LaLiga table.

The England midfielder scored twice with both set up by Vinicius, who had opened the scoring before Rodrygo wrapped up a 4-0 win with a fine run and finish. Substitute Joselu also missed a late penalty.

It was just surprise package Girona’s second defeat of the league campaign, with the first also coming at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti’s men, and it was every bit as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests.

With visiting head coach Michel banned from the touchline following his dismissal for leaving his technical area during last weekend’s draw with Real Sociedad, and opposite number Ancelotti forced to field a makeshift back four with injuries biting hard into his resources, there was an air of uncertainty around the Bernabeu Stadium as the game kicked off.

However, the fears of the locals were settled within six minutes when Vinicius picked up possession wide on the left, cut inside Ivan Martin and curled an unstoppable right-foot shot across keeper Paulo Gazzaniga and inside the far post.

With Toni Kroos dictating play, Madrid continued to look the more threatening and Girona skipper Juanpe was mightily relieved to concede a free-kick on the edge of the box rather than a penalty after he had rudely interrupted Eduardo Camavinga’s blistering 21st-minute run towards goal.

Federico Valverde curled the resulting set-piece straight into Gazzaniga’s arms, but there was little let-up in the home side’s efforts to build upon their encouraging start.

Bellingham dragged a 32nd-minute shot wide, but made amends within three minutes when he ran on to Vinicius’ superb ball behind Eric Garcia and rounded Gazzaniga to make it 2-0.

Vinicius scuffed wide after being played through as the whistle approached, but the sides headed for the dressing rooms with the hosts very much in the driving seat.

The visitors, who had offered little before the break, returned in determined mood and it took a last-ditch clearance by Ferland Mendy to cut out Miguel Gutierrez’s inviting cross as they finally started to make an impression going forward.

However, their hopes suffered a further blow within nine minutes when Vinicius cut in from the left and saw Gazzaniga parry his shot straight to Bellingham, who tapped into the empty net.

The Englishman’s evening ended prematurely with 57 minutes gone when, having earlier turned an ankle, he was replaced by Brahim Diaz.

His team did not feel his loss, however, and Rodrigo extended their lead within four minutes, accepting Vinicius’ pass before racing away to fire emphatically past Gazzaniga.

It should have been 5-0 at the death, but Joselu struck the post with a penalty awarded for Yan Couto’s foul on Arda Guler.

Real Madrid’s top-of-the-table clash with Girona this weekend will not be a title decider, insists Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.

LaLiga leaders Real are two points ahead of second-placed Girona, who have defied the odds to emerge as genuine contenders in just their fourth-ever season in the top flight.

Michel’s side would leapfrog Madrid back into pole position with victory at the Bernabeu Stadium, but Ancelotti said Saturday’s showdown will not be decisive.

The Italian told a press conference: “Whoever wins will gain the advantage, but there is still a long way to go in the league.

“Both teams are very well positioned and the game won’t decide the league, but (the winners) will have an advantage over the others.

“I don’t think the league will be decided no matter what happens. Both teams have high points and the sooner we get to 80 points, the sooner we can win the league.

“You don’t win the league with 80 points, but if you get close as soon as possible, you’re very close.”

Girona finished 10th in LaLiga last season after winning promotion via the play-offs under head coach Michel in 2022 and have beaten both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in this campaign.

Ancelotti said: “It will be a demanding match against a team that has done better than everyone else, including Real Madrid.

“It’s going to be tough, they’re doing very well. We have a lot of respect for them, while we are confident of winning again after drawing.”

Girona boss Michel will be absent from the Bernabeu dugout as he starts a two-match touchline ban after his red card in the closing stages of last week’s 0-0 home draw against Real Sociedad.

The Catalan club will also be without defender Daley Blind and midfielder Yangel Herrera through suspension.

On Michel’s absence, Ancelotti added: “Football is about the players, but the coach’s presence gives confidence to the team.

“However, it’s not a determining factor. It’s not decisive because football is about the players.

“Sometimes we coaches get carried away a bit in protest, but we need a bit more understanding because of the circumstances we’re in.

“A little more understanding could allow him to be at the Bernabeu on Saturday.”

Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger faces a late fitness test after missing last week’s 1-1 derby draw against city rivals Atletico due to a thigh injury.

Vinicius Junior (neck/shoulder) was an unused substitute against Atletico but will be in contention and Ancelotti confirmed defender Nacho (thigh) is hoping to be back for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash in Leipzig.