Not many games in the newly revamped Champions League will be able to top Giron and Feyenoord’s clash for entertainment this season. Over 90 minutes five goals were scored, two of which were own goals, and two penalties were missed. Thankfully for the Eredivisie side they came out on top in Spain.
Both sides were in need of a win after losing their opening matches in the competition. Girona only narrowly lost to PSG and came out firing to start the game. David Lopez capitalised from a corner that was poorly defended by the Dutch side to give Girona a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. Feyenoord reacted immediately, forcing Yangel Herrera to deflect Quinten Timber’s header beyond his own goalkeeper. Just 10 minutes later and Feyenoord had turned things around completely. Teenage midfielder Antoni Milambo scored his first European goal for the club to make it 2-1.
It should have been three shortly after, with Feyenoord being awarded a penalty. However, Ayase Ueda saw his penalty easily saved by Paulo Gazzaniga in the Girona goal. After half-time, Girona were then awarded a penalty themselves and a chance to equalise. However, Bojan Miovski was unable to score, with Timon Wellenreuther matching Gazzaniga with a penalty save of his own.
Yet the home side would not be denied. Former Ajax and Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek equalised in the 73rd minute. Much like in the first half, the Dutch side responded quickly. A cross from David Hancko was deflected beyond the helpless Gazzaniga by Ladislav Krejci for another own goal.
The drama did not end there. Deep in added time, there was a claim for a third penalty from the home side for hand ball in the box. However, a short VAR review found nothing wrong and the eventful game finally came to an end. Next up for Feyenoord in the Champions League is a trip to Lisbon to face Benfica.
