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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 ā plus a retaken effort ā it was Cristhian Stuaniās 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 Berenguerās first-half penalty lacked power and precision, allowing the Argentine to dive left and make an easy save.
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Bilbaoās 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 Gazzanigaās heroics, with fans praising the goalkeeperās reflexes. Critics, however, didnāt hold back, branding the three penalties āsome of the worst ever seenā in La Liga.
Girona capitalised on Bilbaoās missed opportunities swiftly. Colombian midfielder Yaser Asprilla opened the scoring with a curling cross-shot into the bottom corner, punishing Berenguerās 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 Gironaās four-game winless streak and securing a dramatic victory.
Girona now sit in 11th place, while Bilbaoās 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.
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