Match Report: Girona 1-2 Arsenal

GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Ethan Nwaneri (R) of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring a the team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio de Montilivi on January 29, 2025, in Girona, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)

photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

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Arsenal secured a third-place finish in the Champions League table, securing a last-16 spot thanks to a comeback victory against Girona.

Arsenal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Girona in their latest Champions League clash on January 29, 2025, to advance to the round of 16. The match, held at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, saw Arsenal come from behind to clinch the win and finish third in the group stage standings.

The game started with Arsenal dominating possession and creating several early chances. Raheem Sterling curled an effort just over the bar from the edge of the box, and Ethan Nwaneri forced a save from Girona goalkeeper Pau Lopez with a teasing cross. Riccardo Calafiori thought he had opened the scoring on 11 minutes with a cool finish, but his goal was ruled offside.

Girona, however, took the lead in the 28th minute when Arnaut Danjuma capitalized on a poor run by Arsenal goalkeeper Neto to strike into the far corner. The hosts were ahead against the run of play, but Arsenal quickly responded.

Just 10 minutes later, Arsenal equalized through a penalty awarded for a clumsy challenge by Arnau Martinez on Thomas Partey. Jorginho stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick to level the score at 1-1. The comeback was complete four minutes before half-time when Nwaneri picked up the ball inside the Girona box, dribbled out to a more central position, and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Lopez to give Arsenal the lead.

In the second half, Girona pushed for an equalizer but were denied by a combination of Arsenal’s solid defense and some offside calls. Cristhian Stuani thought he had pulled the score level in the 76th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Arsenal had a chance to extend their lead in stoppage time when Raheem Sterling was awarded a penalty, but his shot was saved by Lopez.

The victory means Arsenal finished third in the Champions League group stage, securing a spot in the round of 16 and avoiding a two-legged playoff.