GIRONA, Spain (Reuters) – Girona goalscorer Juanpe said it was a dream come true as the Spanish side finally managed to get three points on the board in their maiden Champions League campaign with a 2-0 home win against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday.
After losing their first two games in the competition, Miguel Gutierrez gave them the lead in the first half before Juanpe’s superbly struck free kick took a slight deflection off the wall before sailing into the net to secure his side’s first win in Europe.
The club’s account on social media platform X wasted no time in celebrating their historic achievement, posting “THE FIRST BIG EUROPEAN NIGHT IN MONTILIVI!” in Catalan moments after the final whistle.
Girona lost their first game 1-0 to Paris St Germain and were then edged 3-2 in a thriller at home by Dutch side Feyenoord, but they finally got to taste victory at their home stadium on Tuesday.
“It’s a dream come true – we watched this competition on TV, and this is the pure elite. I’m very happy – when I scored, I looked at the scoreboard to make sure it was true, my entire football career was going through my mind,” an elated Juanpe said.
“It’s an important triumph and one of the most important moments of my career, scoring in the Champions League with Girona.”
Head coach Michel beamed with pride after his side’s effort in front of their fans.
“We must be happy and proud of these players, the performance of many of them is incredible, it was impressive. I am very happy for Juanpe; he has been here for many years and now he has scored in the Champions League.”
Sitting in 20th position in the table on three points, Girona’s next game in the competition is against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven on Nov. 5.
(Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Toby Davis)
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