GIRONA: Girona snatched a late 2-1 win over sixth-place Athletic Bilbao in an entertaining La Liga clash on Sunday. Cristhian Stuani converted a late penalty to earn three points for last season´s surprise package, currently 11th after a difficult start to the season.
Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga saved two penalties at the other end in a match which had nearly everything. The Argentine stopper kept out Alex Berenguer´s effort from the spot and then twice saved a second Athletic penalty, first from Inaki Williams and then, when it had to be retaken as Gazzaniga was off his line, from Ander Herrera, both weak efforts down the middle. Yaser Asprilla put Girona ahead after 39 minutes with a cross which flew into the net.
Two minutes later Athletic midfielder Oihan Sancet levelled but hurt himself in the process and had to be substituted. Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla made a stunning save to deny Stuani in the final stages but the veteran striker had the last laugh after Aitor Paredes dragged down Ladislav Krejci in the area and was sent off. Stuani fired home from the spot and although Padilla got a firm hand to his effort, he could not keep it out.