Girona Beats Mallorca 5-3 to Take Provisional Lead of Spanish League

Girona's David López (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equalizer goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca in Girona, Spain, 23 September 2023. (EPA)
Girona's David López (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equalizer goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca in Girona, Spain, 23 September 2023. (EPA)
TT

Girona Beats Mallorca 5-3 to Take Provisional Lead of Spanish League

Girona's David López (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equalizer goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca in Girona, Spain, 23 September 2023. (EPA)
Girona's David López (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-1 equalizer goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca in Girona, Spain, 23 September 2023. (EPA)

Girona routed Mallorca 5-3 to climb to the top of the Spanish league on Saturday ahead of other matches for this round.

Girona moved one point ahead of overnight leader Real Madrid, which visits Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Barcelona can pull level with Girona if it beats Celta Vigo at home later Saturday.

Under coach Míchel Sánchez, Girona is the revelation of the season so far. The modest team from Spain's northeastern Catalonia region has won five straight games since a season-opening draw with Real Sociedad.

After beating Granada 4-2 last round, it has now scored nine goals in its past two games.

“(Being leader) is anecdotal, we are happy for the victory. Winning five in a row in the first division is not at easy task,” Míchel said. “Even more important than the results is the sensation we have, knowing that we are competing well and have a clear idea of how we want to play.”

Mallorca went ahead early through a fourth-minute penalty converted by Vedat Muriqi. But Girona roared back with goals by David López, Artem Dovbyk, Iván Martín, Yangel Herrera and Sávio before substitute Ábdon Prats reduced the deficit for Mallorca with a late brace.

Also later Saturday, Sevilla visits Osasuna while Almeria hosts Valencia.



Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
TT

Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights

Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility may have cost him a Ballon d'Or nomination after the Real Madrid forward was not among the 30 names short-listed for the prestigious award.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and registered nine assists in 51 appearances for the club last season.

His Madrid team mates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, as well as the now-retired Toni Kroos, were all nominated.

Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Madrid from Paris St Germain in the close season, was also on the shortlist.

"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told ESPN. "I don't want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also.

"But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I'm not the one who decides these things."

Rodrygo primarily plays on the right but can also play on the left or as a centre forward, and is often utilized as a second striker by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Reuters reported.

"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo added. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That's it.

"It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28.