How Girona steamrolled through January

2015 has been a good year so far in the Estadio de Montilivi. A winning aura is beginning to form around this Girona FC team who have given their supporters reason to be thinking about promotion. After an almost barren streak in December, Pablo Machín's charges have gotten off to an almost perfect start to the year and sit second in the league table, just behind UD Las Palmas.

Defensive assuredness

The Catalans have only conceded twice in five games and kept three cleansheets in the process, a clear indication of how well drilled the team are. Only UE Llagostera and CD Lugo have been able to beat Isaac Becerra, one of the division’s most reliable pair of hands between the sticks. In fact, Girona have conceded the third fewest goals of any Liga Adelante side, coming just behind Real Valladolid CF and Real Sporting (17).

Early goals have been key

Breaking the deadlock during the early stages of games is one of the keys behind Girona’s fantastic run in January. Montilivi’s players found the back of the net within the first  35 minutes against Llagostera, Lugo and R. Racing C., leads they were able to hold onto on their way to picking up nine points on the road during the month. Only against AD Alcorcón did they have to wait until the second half to open their account.

Goals spread around the team Not having to depend on one talisman has also been an important factor in the Catalans’ success. Although Fran Sandaza and Jonas Ramalho both hit the target twice during this five-game run, Felipe Sanchón, Jaime Mata and Álex Granell also chipped in to add a bit more firepower and contribute in giving Girona a +16 goal difference, one of the best tallies of any team in the league.

Taking it one step at a time, vital to Pablo Machín's plans

Despite the strong start to year and the new found hope of finally being able to win promotion to the Liga BBVA, after coming so close in the last two seasons, Pablo Machín is keeping his feet firmly on the ground: "It would be a mistake to change the script now, we have to take it match by match".