Girona FC’s struggles in La Liga continued after a decisive 3-1 home defeat to Real Betis, a match that saw Brazilian winger Antony steal the spotlight with a spectacular first-half volley.
Betis wasted no time, with Johnny Cardoso heading in Isco’s corner just six minutes in. Girona’s defense was repeatedly stretched, and in the 39th minute, Romain Perraud surged down the left to deliver a pinpoint cross for Antony, who finished with a clinical side-footed volley past Paulo Gazzaniga. The celebration from Antony electrified the away fans and marked his third goal of the league campaign.
Three minutes later, Isco—celebrating his 33rd birthday—added Betis’s third, heading home after Abde Ezzalzouli’s rebound, putting Girona in a deep hole before halftime. Girona finally responded late, with Cristhian Stuani bundling in a consolation goal, but the hosts remain winless in their last ten league matches and are now just three points above the relegation zone.
Antony’s performance was a highlight in a dominant Betis display, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side kept up their Champions League push, moving to within a point of the top four. For Girona, the pressure mounts as the season nears its climax, with their La Liga status now hanging in the balance.
