Girona eased to a comfortable 2-0 away victory against Sevilla thanks to goals from Ivan Martin and Abel Ruiz in Sunday's LaLiga clash.

Last season's surprise package Girona dominated proceedings from early on against a tame Sevilla, who are winless in four games to start the season.

Martin opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a tap-in from Miguel Gutierrez's cross into the six-yard box.

Ruiz secured the win 17 minutes from time, sweeping home from the penalty spot following a handball by Sevilla forward Isaac Romero.

Victory moved Girona to fourth in the league table on seven points, five behind leaders Barcelona, who they face next.

Sevilla, meanwhile, were left second from bottom on two points, with pressure growing on Garcia Pimienta after a woeful start to the campaign.

Data Debrief: Gutierrez delivers again for Girona

Girona have now won their last three LaLiga trips to Sevilla, achieving a trio of away victories in the top flight for the first time against any opponent.

Michel's side have also triumphed in their last six meetings with Sevilla in the league overall, another best for Girona against any Spanish club in the competition.

Sunday's success would not have been possible without the impressive Gutierrez, however, as the left-back once again delivered for Martin's first-half opener.

With four goals and 11 assists, Gutierrez has the most direct goal involvements (15) of any LaLiga defender since the 2022-23 season, with Oscar de Marcos his closest rival (14 – 2 and 12).

His threat down the left-hand side helped Girona accumulate an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.11, with Sevilla (1) well behind in that department after further disappointment.

Girona boss Michel says he is confident his side have what it takes to be contenders for the LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles after a season in which they lit up Spanish soccer as a surprise package.

Backed by the wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners and only four years after being promoted to Spain's first division, Girona went toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the title race last season, beating Catalonia rivals Barcelona twice before finishing third and qualifying for European football for the first time.

"We have a balanced squad, perfect to go out there and compete in all competitions," Michel told a press conference ahead of his side's LaLiga clash at Sevilla on Sunday.

"We are the team that recovered the most balls in the opposition's half in the first three matches of the season, a step up from last year, when we were sixth from bottom.

"I really don't care about the system we use, I care about our performance on the pitch, the way of doing things. We want numerical superiority with the ball and to regain it as quickly as possible."

Michel praised the club's effort to revamp the squad with new signings in the close season, having lost several of his key players from last year.

Although winger Savinho, striker Artem Dovbyk and versatile midfielder Aleix Garcia have all gone, Michel said he believed the arrivals of the likes of Abel Ruiz, Donny van de Beek, Bryan Gil and Arnaut Danjuma would help his side step up.

Girona will face the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and AC Milan in the Champions League this season.

"Everyone is happy at the club because we have taken a step forward. Last year we had players on loan and only Danjuma, Bryan (Gil) and Oriol (Romeu) have come in this situation," Michel said.

"I think we have a good squad for the style of play we want to show, and I think we are versatile enough to have a good year."

Girona are seventh in the LaLiga standings on four points in three games, five behind leaders Barcelona. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Girona earned their first win of the 2024-25 LaLiga campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Osasuna 4-0 at the Estadi Montilivi on Thursday. 

Michel's team had taken one point from their first two league fixtures, but goals from Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz and Cristhian Stuani ensured a comfortable win for Michel's side.

On-loan Tottenham Hotspur winger Gil opened the scoring in the 34th minute, turning home Tsyhankov's delivery with an acrobatic finish beyond Sergio Herrera.

Tsyhankov increased their advantage eight minutes after the break, neatly turning and finishing into the bottom corner after being picked out by Bojan Miovski inside the area.

The victory was confirmed three minutes later when Ruiz rounded off a fine move with a thunderous finish at Herrera's near post from outside the box. 

Stuani added further gloss to an impressive display in added time, tapping home after being found by new signing Donny van de Beek. 

The result moves Girona up to seventh ahead of travelling to Sevilla on Sunday.

Data Debrief: Osasuna's Girona hoodoo continues

Girona have now reeled off three straight LaLiga wins over Osasuna, scoring 10 goals in those fixtures and conceding only twice.

They also continued their record of having never lost in their first home game of a league campaign (P5 W3 D2).

Girona coach Michel wants fans to relish their first taste of European football as he prepares his team to take on continental heavyweights in the Champions League.

Michel's side thrashed Osasuna 4-0 in LaLiga on Thursday, claiming their first win of the season in the process.

That victory came after Girona had found out who they will play in the new-look league phase of UEFA's flagship cup competition.

Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Milan PSV, Feyenoord, Slovan Bratislava and Sturm Graz are Girona's eight opponents.

"I didn't have time to think about it but we are talking about top teams so I just want our fans to be well represented in this tournament and tell them they should go with their heads held high around Europe," Michel told DAZN on Thursday.

"The players have a lot of maturity and are facing it very naturally, focused on the present, which was the game that we had to play today.

"I found out that Liverpool were one of the teams in the group during the game and I was surprised, but I didn't think much more about it due to the circumstances."

Michel also praised his players' resilience in recovering following a humbling 3-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

"We were very well positioned and all the players did a spectacular job, a great game in every sense of the word," Michel said.

"I'm very happy with the team's performance and because there was something strange that I didn't like at all before. Often you only see the negative side, but today the team played a perfect game from the beginning." 

Girona earned their first win of the 2024-25 LaLiga campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Osasuna 4-0 at the Estadi Montilivi on Thursday. 

The Blanquivermells had taken one point from their first two league fixtures, but goals from Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz and Cristhian Stuani ensured a comfortable win for Michel's side.

Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Gil opened the scoring in the 34th minute, turning home Tsyhankov's delivery with an acrobatic finish beyond Sergio Herrera.

Tsyhankov increased their advantage eight minutes after the break, neatly turning and finishing into the bottom corner after being picked out by Bojan Miovski inside the area.

The victory was confirmed three minutes later when Ruiz rounded off a fine move with a thunderous finish at Herrera's near post from outside the box. 

Stuani added further gloss to an impressive display in added time, tapping home after being found by new signing Donny van de Beek. 

The result moves Girona up to seventh in the early-season standings ahead of travelling to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to face Sevilla on Sunday.

Data Debrief: Osasuna's Girona hoodoo continues

Girona have now lost just one of their five LaLiga matches against Osasuna (W3 D1), winning the last three and scoring in all of them, with an average of two goals per game (11 overall).

The Blanquivermells also continued their record of having never lost in their first home game of a league campaign (P5 W3 D2).

Girona head coach Michel has called for patience following his side's lacklustre start to the LaLiga season ahead of their meeting with Osasuna on Thursday. 

Michel led the Catalan side to a third place finish in the division last year, but they have taken one point from their first two games, including a 3-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last time out. 

Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Koke's strikes inflicted Girona's heaviest defeat since a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid back in February. 

But Michel is unconcerned by his team's recent results, however, he acknowledged that his players are far from where they want to be in their preparations. 

"I look at the process, the performance, not the results," Michel said."I think we're far from our best, but I'm convinced we'll play a great game (on Thursday).

"The team is ready. Atletico are one of the big candidates (to win) LaLiga. We're not so bad like it may have looked like..."

Due to their impressive displays which saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history last year, a number of Girona's star performers have departed the club. 

Last season's top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, left for Serie A side Roma, while winger Savinho, who was on loan last season, has joined Manchester City. 

Aleix Garcia was also signed by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, with Michel having to delve into the market to try and fill those gaps. 

Girona have strengthened with 10 new additions, the most recent of which was announced last week as Watford's Yaser Asprilla joined for a club-record fee. 

Despite being backed by the wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners, Girona are unable to spend the finances compared to Pep Guardiola's side, who headline their City Football Group stable.

However, Michel has called on supporters to get behind his players to help them return to form, starting on Thursday night at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. 

"We need the fans and the best version of ourselves," Michel said.

"Last year we had a great communion, the fans helped us to win points at home. That's why I ask our fans to be with us, together we are stronger.

"We have not been able to work as we wanted with this new group together in the close season.

"The team understands what we want, but it's true that we need to connect more. I am convinced that we will do it quickly."

Marcos Llorente scored a fine individual effort as Atletico Madrid claimed their first LaLiga victory of the season with a 3-0 win over Girona.

Antoine Griezmann and substitute Koke were also on target for Diego Simeone's side at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.

Atletico, who handed a debut to new signing Conor Gallagher later on, broke the deadlock six minutes before half-time.

Griezmann stepped up and drilled a fierce 18-yard free-kick beyond Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who had been penalised for handball just outside his own penalty area.

Gazzaniga was helpless again within three minutes of the restart, as Llorente embarked on a powerful solo run from just inside his own half, before rifling into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

And Los Rojiblancos sealed the victory in stoppage time following a swift counter that culminated in Llorente crossing for Koke to volley home.

Data Debrief: Griezmann picks up where Suarez left off

Since the 2015-16 season, Atletico have scored 10 goals directly from free-kicks in all competitions, with Griezmann scoring nine of those.

His effort today was the first such goal by a Los Rojiblancos player since Luis Suarez against Cadiz back in January 2021.

Griezmann also continued his personal scourge of Girona. Indeed, that was the midfielder's fifth goal against them in LaLiga (equalling Borja Iglesias), with no player registering more.

Diego Simeone is counting on Atletico Madrid's passionate fans to spur them on in their first LaLiga home match of the season against last year's surprise package Girona on Sunday.

Atletico made a disappointing start to the season with a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday as they failed to find a winner in the second half after twice coming from behind to level.

With Girona once again looking to challenge for a top-four place this season, Simeone is ready to use every advantage his team can get.

"I played my time as a footballer in front of this crowd, and it was above everything else," Simeone said in a press conference.

"It always pushes those who have to play and, hopefully, we can release the energy of the stadium onto the pitch."

Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher and Spain Euro 2024 champion Robin Le Normand were introduced to a crowd of over 30,000 at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, with Simeone admitting he felt emotional when he saw the reception given to the new signings. 

"The other day at the unveilings, when I saw the recognition given to the new boys and how so many people came to see those players, I was thrilled," Simeone added.

"Today we have the chance, with a lot of hard work, to put together an interesting and competitive squad and we have to be aware of the place we are in and the responsibility that this entails.

"We live it with a lot of passion, I don't forget where we come from. Sure, it will depend on a number of factors, but on Wednesday I got emotional. This is a consequence of what past generations have left behind."

Atletico have already spent more than €200million to reinforce their squad after a disappointing season in which they finished fourth in LaLiga.

However, the 54-year-old said he expects to add two more players to his squad before the transfer window closes next week. 

"We are fulfilling everything we talked about at the beginning of the summer, the path is going the way we wanted, we are on the way to closing it; we are still missing two players who should arrive soon, in a few hours they will be with us," Simeone said.

One of those players should be French defender Clement Lenglet, who, according to media reports, is expected to arrive from Barcelona on a season-long loan, with the Catalan giants desperately trying to reduce their first-team wage bill so they can comply with LaLiga's financial controls. 

Gabriel Misehouy rescued a point for Girona on his debut as they salvaged a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in LaLiga, but coach Michel has warned the teenager must remain grounded.

The 19-year-old Dutch midfielder came off the bench for his debut in Girona's league opener at Betis, having joined from Ajax on a free transfer in July.

He found the equaliser from a counterattack he initiated and was a constant menace to Betis' backline, almost scoring the winner with some brilliant play late on.

Michel was not surprised by Misehouy's impact but told DAZN he has much to learn, saying: "Gabriel is a brutally talented player, but as of today he still lacks the collective mentality to be a great player.

"He has a lot of room for improvement. He still doesn't speak Spanish but I hope he listens to me...

"Maybe the goal won't do any good for him, I don't want it to be... He has a lot of talent, but we have to focus on him so that he can work for the group."

Missing several players due to illness, Michel was satisfied to leave Seville with a point to start a season in which Girona are under the spotlight, having finished third to reach the Champions League last term.

Even if they have lost the element of surprise, Michel is confident the club will continue their upward trajectory.

"I think the team had the personality to play with our idea, knowing that the connections are not yet there," he said. 

"I am very happy with the performance, knowing the problems we had."

Girona substitute Gabriel Misehouy struck in the 72nd minute to rescue a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in their opening game of LaLiga on Thursday.

Betis started well and opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a bullet header by defender Marc Bartra from a corner.

Abel Ruiz almost pulled Los Blanquivermells level on the hour-mark, darting in behind Betis' defence, only to poke his first-time shot against the near post.

However, Girona managed to find the equaliser with a close-range finish by Misehouy, who swept a neat finish into the far-bottom corner in his first game for the club.

Both teams had chances to win it late on, though Betis in particular will rue theirs as Chimy Avila's volley rattled Paulo Gazzaniga's goal frame before Nabil Fekir flashed an effort just wide in stoppage time.

Data Debrief: Spoils shared

Betis have not lost their first game of the season in any of the last five campaigns in LaLiga (winning three, drawing two), since a 1-2 loss against Real Valladolid in August 2019. 

Bartra's first-half goal was not enough to get them a win in the end, but he scored his 12th goal in LaLiga (seven with Betis, five for Barcelona), half of them being headers, with five of those six coming from corners.

Meanwhile, after losing his first four games against Betis in LaLiga between 2018 and 2023, Míchel is now unbeaten in three against them in the top-flight (one win, two draws).

Michel is optimistic about Girona's chances of extending last season's remarkable LaLiga run into their 2024-25 campaign, which begins at Real Betis on Thursday.

After a third-place finish in the standings, their best ever, Girona secured a place in the Champions League for their first taste of European competition.

Though Girona may have lost the element of surprise, Michel is confident the club will continue their upward trajectory.

"I don't have a crystal ball to know where we will sit in the end [of the season], but I'm convinced that, with collective thinking in defence and attack, we will have a great season," Michel told a press conference on Wednesday.

"The objective is the club's growth and to always honour their colours. All the players who are here must be players who have that feeling and understanding, that playing here is a source of pride and that they are doing it for our people. That is the objective we have as a club: growth, growth and growth."

The Spaniard added that he still expects new signings to arrive before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August.

Michel, whose project was constructed around a youthful squad with an attacking style, has lost several of his key players in the transfer window so far, including winger Savinho, who moved to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, striker Artem Dovbyk, who scored 24 league goals last season, left for Serie A side Roma and versatile midfielder Aleix Garcia was signed by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

To make things worse ahead of a difficult clash at Manuel Pellegrini's Betis, he will be missing at least three players due to illness.

"The sports management and I have the same way of seeing things," Michel added. 

"It is true that the process has been complicated and difficult because important players have left. We had problems during the offseason and now with this virus, but I am convinced that we will make the best possible squad."

Newcastle produced a rampant first half display in their penultimate pre-season outing as they thrashed La Liga side Girona 4-0 on Friday. 

The Magpies blitzed their opponents in the opening 45 minutes, with Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon giving the hosts a 3-0 lead after just 15 minutes. 

Longstaff notched his brace before the interval to secure the Magpies' first win in their two pre-season fixtures taking place at St. James' Park this weekend. 

In a frantic start to proceedings, Longstaff opened the scoring in the third minute, with Murphy adding Newcastle's second with a fierce strike off the crossbar. 

A mistake by David Lopez allowed Alexander Isak to pick out Gordon two minutes later, composing himself before sending a left-footed strike into the far corner. 

Isak had the chance to increase the hosts' advantage in the 21st minute after being brought down in the box, but saw his penalty saved by Paulo Gazzaniga. 

The first half rout was complete after Joelinton saw his headed effort hit the crossbar, only for the rebound to be volleyed home by Longstaff. 

Murphy and Isak squandered opportunities to increase their advantage in the second half, but the damage was done in the first 45 against the La Liga side. 

Newcastle conclude their pre-season preparations against French side Brest on Saturday ahead of their Premier League opener against Southampton next weekend. 

Data Debrief: Magpies on fire, but should have been more

Newcastle would have been expecting a tougher test from a side who will play Champions League football next season, and should have won by a more handsome scoreline. 

The Magpies recorded an expected goals (xG) of 3.24, an underperformance of 0.76, with 11 of their 20 shots on target, while also missing four big chances. 

Oriol Romeu has rejoined Girona on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The midfielder left Girona last year to join Barca but has now made the move back to the Blanquivermells for the 2024-25 campaign.

Romeu made 28 LaLiga appearances for La Blaugrana last season, playing just 930 minutes, and only making 11 starts.

Barcelona announced last week that he had left their pre-season tour in the United States to "resolve his future".

He was keen to join Girona during the January transfer window, but the move was blocked by Barcelona's sporting director, Deco.

In his last spell at the Catalan club in 2022-23, the Spaniard made 33 LaLiga appearances and scored twice in the competition.

He is the seventh player to move to the club this transfer window, and Michel will be looking to his experience as they embark on their first-ever Champions League campaign. 

Roma have signed Artem Dovbyk, who finished as top scorer in LaLiga last season, from Girona.

The 27-year-old scored 24 goals and contributed eight assists in 36 LaLiga matches in 2023-24 for Girona, who finished third after being title contenders for most of the campaign.

Roma are reported to have paid €38million for Dovbyk, who played for Ukraine at Euro 2024.

Dovbyk's LaLiga goals came from 24.29 expected goals, with the striker converting 21 of the 43 big chances that came his way.

He seemingly comes in as Roma's replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to Chelsea after a successful loan stint in the Italian capital, albeit the Belgian is being linked with Napoli.

Dovbyk had also been of interest to Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City have completed the signing of Savinho from Troyes on a five-year deal.

The Brazil international is Pep Guardiola's first arrival ahead of the 2024-25 season, in which City will look to extend their unprecedented four-year hold on the Premier League trophy.

Savinho played a key role during a loan spell with Girona last term, his 11 goals and 10 assists helping them to a third-place finish in LaLiga and qualification to the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The 20-year-old, who was part of Brazil's recent Copa America campaign, will wear the number 26 shirt at the Etihad Stadium, and could make his debut in the Community Shield clash with Manchester United on August 10.

"I'm so happy to be joining Manchester City, the Premier League champions and Club World Cup winners," he told the club's official website. "Everyone knows they are the best team in the world right now, so to be here is very exciting for me. 

"I'm excited about the chance to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches ever, and someone I know will help me improve even more.

"I had an amazing time in Spain, and I'm looking forward to a new challenge of playing in the Premier League and alongside some of the best players in the world.

"I can't wait to meet the fans and my new team-mates and hopefully be a part of bringing more success to City."