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Girona FC making a surprising push for European qualification

By Roy Emanuel

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Girona FC players celebrate after their teammate Cristian 'Portu' scored the opening goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona at Camp Nou on February 24, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Girona FC players celebrate after their teammate Cristian 'Portu' scored the opening goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona at Camp Nou on February 24, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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Girona FC will be competitive right down to the final weeks of the term.

This season’s battle for European qualification in La Liga has produced many of the usual suspects, and several of Spain’s best clubs are near the top of the table. The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla are all in a position to be part of continental competitions in 2018-19. However, there is one surprise amongst the top half of the league, and that stunner is Girona FC.

Los Blanquivermell have been a solid contender in their top-flight debut. Founded in 1930, this is the team’s very first campaign in the first division. Girona currently sit seventh in La Liga, only one point back of sixth-place Villarreal.

Last weekend’s 2-0 victory against Deportivo de La Coruña was their third consecutive win, to go along with three clean sheets.

Manager Pablo Machin has led a Girona side full of defensive discipline and intelligent attacking movements. The club also has some unique and familiar ties to both Spanish football royalty and the Premier League.

City Football Group and a famous last name

City Football Group own a large portion of Girona, along with the Girona Football Group headed up by Pere Guardiola (yes, Pep Guardiola’s brother). The Catalan side have secured several impressive results throughout the year already, including a 2-1 win over title-holders Real Madrid this past October.

The front-line has featured spectacular play from striker Cristhian Stuani, who has scored 15 league goals. The former Middlesbrough man has been the perfect weapon for Machin’s system, one that often sees five midfielders deployed.

If the 31-year-old can continue his goal-scoring exploits, fans may just get a chance to see them in the UEFA Europa League.

Next: Atlético Madrid's strong form arriving at the wrong time

Girona FC and Pablo Machin were not satisfied just being in La Liga, and they have shown exactly why they belong there.

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