Girona vs Atl. Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-01-02 20:30.
Arguably the most surprising title race across Europe’s top divisions took yet another twist before Christmas, with Girona drawing 1-1 against Real Betis to relinquish the La Liga (LL) festive top spot to likely suspects Real Madrid. Even so, Girona remain well in the hunt to lift the trophy come May and can at the very least keep pressure on Los Blancos if they can extend their current unbeaten league run to 11 games here (W8, D2).
Predicting whether Girona can continue to punch above their weight against Atlético Madrid is difficult, not least given their mixed results so far this season against the other two traditional ‘big three’ sides, Barcelona and Real Madrid (W1, L1). What may boost Girona’s confidence is their strong record in their last four matches against Madrid-based outfits (W3, L1), as will the fact that they have scored more LL goals at this stage (42) than any team outside the big three since 1961/62.
Looking to stifle that amazing attack are Atlético, who began 2024 just one place but seven points adrift of Girona, though they may hold the psychological edge after eight unbeaten all-time H2Hs (W3, D5). Dropping eight points across the last five league games (W2, D1, L2) has allowed the gap between them and their hosts here to widen considerably, causing Atleti’s title charge to wane, but this trip must be seen as a huge opportunity to swing momentum back in their favour.
Most of Atlético’s problems have come on their travels, where they are at risk of losing four straight away league encounters for the first time under Diego Simeone here. That’s a rather astonishing fact, considering the astute Argentine was appointed way back in 2011 and has managed over 650 matches at the club!
Players to watch: Girona’s leading league marksman Artem Dovbyk (G11) kicked off the scoring in their impressive victory over Barcelona, which was the first of three consecutive appearances in which he netted the opener before the winter break. Someone who might have something to say about that is Atlético’s Antoine Griezmann, who has also struck first in his last three competitive scoring outings.
Hot stat: Girona boss Míchel has only faced Real Sociedad more often in his managerial career without ever winning a game than Atleti (D1, L4).