How Girona Shocked Spain: Tactical Analysis of Their Rise

When La Liga’s 2024–25 season kicked off, few predicted Girona FC would emerge as one of the league's most impressive teams. The Catalan club, often regarded as a mid-table side, has defied expectations with a bold tactical identity, intelligent recruitment, and performances that have shaken up the traditional Spanish football hierarchy.

This season, Girona have not only secured wins against some of Spain’s elite but have done so with style, control, and purpose. Their ascent isn't a fluke — it's the result of systematic football planning and on-field execution. In this in-depth tactical analysis, we explore the elements behind Girona’s stunning rise in La Liga and why the Bt Gaming world should take notice.

Girona’s Footballing Identity: Possession, Press, and Precision

Girona’s tactical foundation under head coach Míchel Sánchez is built on controlled possession, structured pressing, and fluid vertical play. Unlike many underdog clubs that rely on low blocks and counterattacks, Girona have chosen to impose their style on opponents — even against giants like Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

Key Tactical Principles:

• High-possession football with a focus on short, progressive passing.

• Quick transitions that aim to exploit space between the lines.

• Compact defensive shape when out of possession, allowing for quick ball recovery.

• Intelligent rotations in midfield to keep opponents guessing.

Míchel’s strategy has modernized Girona’s style while preserving core Spanish football traditions of technical excellence and spatial awareness.

Squad Building: A Balanced Blend of Experience and Youth

What makes Girona’s rise remarkable is the club's smart recruitment and squad management. They don’t have the biggest budget in La Liga, but they’ve used data analytics and sharp scouting to identify undervalued talents.

Standout Players:

• Aleix García (CM): The metronome of Girona’s midfield, García is among the best deep-lying playmakers in Spain this season.

• Artem Dovbyk (ST): A physical, mobile striker who provides both goals and hold-up play.

• Sávio (Winger): On loan from Troyes, this Brazilian winger has added flair and creativity.

• Miguel Gutiérrez (LB): Former Real Madrid prospect, excelling with overlapping runs and key passes.

• Daley Blind (CB): A veteran presence offering composure, tactical intelligence, and versatility at the back.

Girona’s recruitment model focuses not only on technical ability but on players that fit the system. The result is a cohesive, well-drilled unit that plays with confidence and synchronicity.

Build-Up Play: From the Back, Through the Lines

Girona’s build-up phase is key to their tactical system. Whether in a 4-3-3 or a fluid 3-4-2-1, Girona often initiate their attacks through short passes between the goalkeeper and centre-backs, drawing the press and then breaking it through smart positioning.

Tactical Insight:

• Double pivot midfield (often Aleix García + Iván Martín) drops deep to receive.

• Full-backs invert or overlap based on the phase of play, adding width or interior options.

• Midfielders occupy “half-spaces,” allowing quick vertical progression.

Their patient but purposeful buildup frustrates opponents, forcing them to press — and that’s when Girona strike with quick diagonal passes into the channels.

Pressing Game: Proactive Defense Wins Games

Another pillar of Girona’s strategy is their structured pressing system. They are not reckless pressers like some teams — instead, Girona press in waves, using triggers such as back passes or wide overloads.

Defensive Approach:

• Forwards initiate the press, cutting passing lanes to central midfield.

• Midfielders push up to intercept second balls.

• Wing-backs or full-backs press wide zones while center-backs maintain vertical compactness.

This pressing system allows Girona to win the ball in advantageous zones — often near the opposition box — which creates scoring chances with fewer passes.

Offensive Fluidity: Goals by Design, Not Luck

What separates Girona from typical “Cinderella stories” in football is their methodical attacking play. This is not a team relying on wonder goals or set pieces — their offensive moves are planned, rehearsed, and effective.

Key Patterns:

• Third-man runs from midfield to overload the box.

• Late arrivals from deep to catch defenses off guard.

• Combination play on the wings, especially involving Gutiérrez and Sávio.

Girona currently rank among the top five La Liga teams in xG (expected goals) — a clear sign their goal output isn’t a coincidence.

The Míchel Effect: Coaching Genius in Action

The heart of Girona’s success lies in manager Míchel Sánchez, who has created one of the most tactically sound teams in Spain with limited resources.

What Míchel Brings:

• Tactical clarity: Every player knows their role and position in all game phases.

• Squad rotation: Manages minutes to prevent fatigue and injuries.

• Adaptability: Has switched formations mid-game to outwit opponents.

• Culture: Fostered a confident, aggressive mindset where players believe they can beat anyone.

Míchel may soon be courted by bigger clubs, but his blueprint is already transforming Girona into a La Liga powerhouse.

Girona vs The Giants: Punching Above Their Weight

Girona’s performances against top sides have been telling. Against Real Madrid, they didn’t sit deep; instead, they took the game to them and held possession for long stretches. Against Barcelona, Girona’s pressing unsettled Xavi’s midfield, forcing errors and leading to goals.

This isn’t just about lucky results — Girona are competing toe-to-toe with Spain’s elite through smart tactics and fearless execution.

Challenges Ahead: Can They Sustain It?

While Girona’s start has been phenomenal, sustaining their position in La Liga’s top 4 will depend on:

1. Injury management – squad depth is limited.

2. January transfer window – potential to lose loan players like Sávio.

3. European distractions – if they qualify, added fixtures could challenge stamina.

Still, their core principles — possession, pressing, and tactical control — suggest this isn’t just a hot streak. It’s a legitimate evolution.

Girona’s Rise is a Blueprint for Modern Football Success

Girona’s story is more than just a surprise title run — it’s a case study in modern football strategy. Through detailed scouting, data-driven coaching, and tactical coherence, they’ve turned what many considered an average club into a La Liga force.

In an age where big budgets often determine success, Girona proves that smart football still has a place. Their rise inspires clubs across Europe to build with purpose rather than just spend on stars.

🙌 Let’s Celebrate the Spirit of Football

Girona’s rise reminds us why we love football — not just for the goals, trophies, or star players, but for the stories of underdogs who dare to believe and challenge the norm. Their journey is a testament to what teamwork, intelligence, and courage can achieve.

Whether you’re a Girona fan or a lover of the game, now is the time to support and amplify the joy they bring to Spanish football. Share their story, watch their matches, and celebrate the magic they bring to the pitch every week.

This is why we love football — because sometimes, dreams beat dollars. ⚽