Valencia battled to a crucial 1-1 draw against Girona at Estadi Montilivi, with Diego López and Christian Stuani providing the goals in a tight encounter.
The result moves Los Che one point clear of the relegation zone, while Girona remain just outside the top half of the table.
A slow-burning first half saw Valencia gradually assert themselves, testing Girona’s defense with a series of half-chances.
The first major incident came in the 15th minute when Yangel Herrera received the game’s first booking for a foul just outside the box. Though the subsequent free-kick failed to trouble the hosts, Valencia kept pressing.
Umar Sadiq came close to breaking the deadlock with a fierce shot from the edge of the area, but Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a sharp left-handed save to deny him.
On the half-hour mark, the game saw two interruptions due to injuries—José Gayà needed treatment for a dislocated finger, while Girona’s Iván Martín was forced off, making way for Donny van de Beek.
By halftime, Valencia had looked the more threatening side, creating better opportunities and positioning themselves for a valuable result.
The second half started with Los Che still on the front foot, as a pinpoint cross from Gayà found André Almeida in the box, but the midfielder sent his header well wide.
Girona responded swiftly, forcing Mamardashvili into action once again. The Georgian goalkeeper produced a brilliant diving stop to push Arnau Martínez’s header wide of the post.
On the hour mark, Valencia’s persistence finally paid off. For the third consecutive game, Diego López delivered, finishing off a low cross from Dimitri Foulquier at the back post to hand his side the lead.
However, Girona reacted quickly. Coach Míchel introduced Stuani and Oriol Romeu in place of Arthur and Bojan Miovski, and the impact was immediate.
Just five minutes later, Stuani rose above the defense to connect with a Miguel Gutiérrez cross, sending a powerful header past Mamardashvili and into the top corner.
Carlos Corberán responded with his own changes, introducing Luis Rioja and Rafa Mir for Sadiq and Almeida. Despite Valencia’s efforts to regain control, it was Mamardashvili who remained the busiest player on the pitch.
Arnaut Danjuma looked certain to score when he fired a shot across goal, but the Georgian shot-stopper reacted superbly to tip the ball over the bar.
Míchel made his final substitutions, bringing on Portu and Yáser Asprilla for Danjuma and Viktor Tsygankov, while Valencia replaced Enzo Barrenechea and Diego López with Pepelu and Fran Pérez.
Girona pushed hard for a winner in the closing minutes, but Valencia held firm, securing a vital point in their fight for survival.
In a match with few clear-cut chances, Mamardashvili’s three key saves proved decisive in earning Los Che a valuable draw.
As he prepares for his move to Liverpool at the end of the season, his performances will be crucial in ensuring Valencia remain in La Liga.
