Girona Piles on Misery for Lowly Valladolid with Easy Victory

Girona's Arnaut Danjuma poses after scoring the 3-0 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and Real Valladolid CF, in Girona, Spain, 20 December 2024.  EPA/DAVID BORRAT
Girona's Arnaut Danjuma poses after scoring the 3-0 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and Real Valladolid CF, in Girona, Spain, 20 December 2024. EPA/DAVID BORRAT
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Girona Piles on Misery for Lowly Valladolid with Easy Victory

Girona's Arnaut Danjuma poses after scoring the 3-0 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and Real Valladolid CF, in Girona, Spain, 20 December 2024.  EPA/DAVID BORRAT
Girona's Arnaut Danjuma poses after scoring the 3-0 goal during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and Real Valladolid CF, in Girona, Spain, 20 December 2024. EPA/DAVID BORRAT

Girona beat Valladolid 3-0 and snapped an unhappy run of six games without a win in La Liga on Friday.
The result lifted Girona two places to eighth while Valladolid stayed second from bottom with just three wins in 18 games.
Valladolid has conceded more goals than any other team but it could do nothing about the opener after 31 minutes. David López’s shot from outside the box took a deflection and wrongfooted goalkeeper Karl Hein.
Hein’s misery continued eight minutes later when he got a hand on Abel Ruiz’s header but could not stop him from doubling Girona’s lead.
Danjuma made it 3-0 for Girona after 80 minutes with a close-range snapshot.
The result came at the end of a turbulent week for Valladolid. The club’s Brazilian owner Ronaldo Nazário said he would sell the club and run for president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Valladolid’s former mayor criticized Ronaldo and said he “had made promises he didn’t keep.”
Fans have protested the Brazilian’s stewardship of the club.



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
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Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.