Girona vs Arsenal Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Arsenal to keep clean sheet

Girona host Arsenal in their final UEFA Champions League group stage match at the Estadi Montilivi. While Girona are already eliminated, only pride and history are on the line for the Catalan side.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, who have already secured their spot in the last 16, will aim to maintain their momentum. Here’s a comprehensive look at the matchup.

Girona: Playing for Pride

Girona’s debut season in the Champions League has been a steep learning curve. With just one win and six defeats in the group stage, their campaign has been disappointing.

Michel’s side has suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions, including a 1-0 loss at AC Milan last week, which sealed their exit from Europe.

Their struggles extend to their home form in the UCL, where Girona have lost their last two games 1-0 to Liverpool and AC Milan. A lack of goals has been their Achilles’ heel, and they risk becoming the first side from Europe’s top-five leagues to suffer five successive UCL defeats ‘to nil.’

Despite their woes, Girona can look to Abel Ruiz for inspiration. The forward has a knack for scoring at home, with 12 of his last 14 goals for club and country coming on familiar turf. If Girona are to avoid more unwanted history, Ruiz will likely need to deliver.

Arsenal: Focused on Form and History

Arsenal are enjoying a strong Champions League campaign, with their place in the knockout rounds already secured. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions (W3, D1), showcasing a blend of resilience and attacking flair.

Their defensive solidity has been remarkable, with no goals conceded from open play in this UCL campaign.

A 1-0 Premier League win over Wolves on Saturday demonstrated Arsenal’s ability to grind out results under pressure. Playing with 10 men after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, Mikel Arteta’s side showed the discipline that has defined their season.

Another victory in Catalonia would see Arsenal achieve back-to-back UCL away wins for the first time since December 2016, following their emphatic 5-1 triumph over Sporting CP in their previous away fixture.

Kai Havertz has been a standout performer in Europe, scoring in three consecutive UCL matches. The German is on the verge of matching Marco Reus’ feat of scoring in four successive UCL outings, a record last achieved by a German player in 2015.

Key Players to Watch

Girona: Abel Ruiz

Abel Ruiz is Girona’s most reliable goal threat, particularly at home. While he is yet to open his account in the Champions League, his three La Liga goals this term underline his potential. If Girona are to trouble Arsenal’s defence, Ruiz will need to be at his sharpest.

Arsenal: Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has rediscovered his scoring touch in Europe, with goals in his last three UCL matches. His intelligent movement and ability to exploit space make him a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking setup.

Girona’s defence will need to keep a close eye on the German if they hope to avoid another blank sheet.

Tactical Insights

Girona’s Approach

Michel will likely adopt a defensive setup, aiming to frustrate Arsenal and hit them on the counter.

Girona’s midfield must disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, while Ruiz and their wingers will look to exploit any spaces left by the Gunners’ high line. Set-pieces could also be a vital avenue for Girona, given Arsenal’s aerial vulnerabilities.

Arsenal’s Strategy

Mikel Arteta’s side will aim to dominate possession and dictate the game’s tempo. Arsenal’s midfield trio of Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz will play a crucial role in breaking down Girona’s defensive block.

The Gunners will also look to use the width provided by Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to stretch the hosts’ defence.

Head-to-Head Record

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Girona and Arsenal, adding an element of novelty to the fixture.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Girona’s form and lack of cutting edge in front of goal make Arsenal clear favourites for this match. The Gunners’ defensive solidity and attacking depth should see them maintain their momentum heading into the knockout stages.

Predicted Scoreline: Girona 0-2 Arsenal

Kai Havertz’s fine form in the Champions League could see him on the scoresheet again, while Arsenal’s overall quality should be enough to secure a comfortable win.

Conclusion

While Girona are playing for pride, Arsenal have the opportunity to fine-tune their form and secure another strong performance in Europe.

With the Gunners’ superior quality and Girona’s struggles, the match is likely to follow the form book, with Arsenal emerging victorious in Catalonia.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Girona vs Arsenal | UEFA Champions League 2024/25