Blind faces Rayo challenge
/ EFE
Girona faces one of those away trips that could define the final stretch of the season. After weeks of intense pressure and poor results, Míchel’s side visits Vallecas with relegation looming ever closer.
Following Alavés’ draw against Elche, Girona now sits just one point above the drop zone. Their opponents on Monday, Rayo Vallecano, are also not yet safe in LaLiga EA Sports, but they come into this match on a high after making history in the Conference League by eliminating Strasbourg and qualifying for the final.
Mallorca’s Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa (2d) battles for the ball with Girona’s Dutch defender Daley Blind (d) during the La Liga match between Girona FC and RCD Mallorca on Friday at the Municipal de Montilivi stadium. EFE/David Borrat.. (Girona) (Mallorca)
/ David Borrat / EFE
With only four matches remaining, Girona’s path is far from easy: after Rayo Vallecano, they face Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, and Elche. This tough schedule puts immense pressure on a Girona team desperate for three points to banish any relegation threat.
Míchel’s side has now gone four games without a win, and his contract renewal at Montilivi seems increasingly unlikely. With three consecutive defeats, a fourth could prove fatal. Sitting just one point above the relegation zone, the Catalan side has accumulated 38 points from 34 matches. Alavés (37) and Levante (37) are ready to capitalize on any Girona slip-up in the coming round.
Míchel welcomes back Abel Ruiz but loses Bryan Gil due to yellow card accumulation. Three players are on the brink of suspension: Gazzaniga, Rincón, and the injured Vanat.
Míchel during the match against Mallorca
/ David Borrat
There is no room for error, and Vallecas is never a comfortable venue. Rayo Vallecano typically imposes a high tempo and intense pressure, meaning Girona must be fully focused from the start to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Rayo’s form is far superior. The Vallecas side has taken 7 points from the last 9 available, defeated Bordalás’ tough Getafe in the previous league round, and made history in Europe. A win against Girona would not only virtually secure their top-flight status but also cap off a historic week—or rather, mark a great start to the week.
**RAYO VALLECANO VS GIRONA: MATCH TIME**
The LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 35 clash between Rayo Vallecano and Girona will be played at the Estadio de Vallecas on Monday, May 11, at 21:00 local time in Spain.
**HOW TO WATCH RAYO VALLECANO VS GIRONA LIVE**
In Spain, the match can be watched live on Movistar+. Live updates and full coverage will also be available on SPORT’s digital platforms.
**PROBABLE LINEUPS**
**Rayo Vallecano:** Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Pep Chavarría; Pathé Ciss, Gumbau, Nteka; Fran Pérez, Carlos Martín, Camello.
**Girona:** Gazzaniga; Arnau, Vitor Reis, Blind, Àlex Moreno; Witsel, Beltrán, Ounahi; Tsygankov, Joel Roca, Echeverri.
