Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga delivered a masterclass in penalty saves, as his side edged out Athletic Bilbao 2-1 in an entertaining La Liga encounter on Sunday.

In an eventful match that saw Gazzaniga save not one, but two penalties – plus a retaken effort – it was Cristhian Stuani’s stoppage-time spot-kick that ultimately secured victory for the hosts.

Athletic Bilbao had multiple chances to take the lead from 12 yards, but Gazzaniga was a fortress in goal. Alex Berenguer’s first-half penalty lacked power and precision, allowing the Argentine to dive left and make an easy save.

ALSO READ:

• Gauff powers past Muchova to clinch China Open title in dominant fashion
• Ejuke’s first La Liga goal is match winner in Sevilla’s 2-1 triumph over Real Valladolid
• Ndah excited over Orlando Pirates’ third successive cup title
• BBNaija No Loose Guard: Kellyrae emerges winner of competition

Bilbao’s penalty troubles only worsened after the break when Inaki Williams saw his chipped effort effortlessly gathered by Gazzaniga. VAR, however, intervened, ruling the goalkeeper’s feet had left the line, forcing a retake.

The pressure shifted to Ander Herrera, who stepped up for the retaken penalty. Yet, Gazzaniga was again equal to the task, diving to deny the former Manchester United man, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Social media lit up after Gazzaniga’s heroics, with fans praising the goalkeeper’s reflexes. Critics, however, didn’t hold back, branding the three penalties “some of the worst ever seen” in La Liga.

Girona capitalised on Bilbao’s missed opportunities swiftly. Colombian midfielder Yaser Asprilla opened the scoring with a curling cross-shot into the bottom corner, punishing Berenguer’s earlier miss.

Bilbao responded almost immediately, with Oihan Sancet leveling just two minutes later to keep the contest alive. Despite their efforts, it was Girona who had the final say deep into stoppage time.

With the game tied at 1-1, the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 99th minute. Stuani held his nerve to dispatch the spot-kick, ending Girona’s four-game winless streak and securing a dramatic victory.

Girona now sit in 11th place, while Bilbao’s frustrating evening leaves them fifth in the LaLiga standings.

Tags: Yaser Asprilla, Girona, Cristhian Stuani, Athletic Bilbao, Alex Padilla, Oihan Sancet, Paulo Gazzaniga, Inaki Williams, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports, #nrtcnigeria.