From the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia to the historic city of Girona. A mid-day match between Girona and Elche had me leaving the book capital of the world, Barcelona, where citizens and tourists alike were preparing for Sant Jordi.

Catalonia

The most important and widely celebrated holiday here. I arrived at Barcelona El Clot Metro Station at 10am to embark on the journey to Girona. I walked down the stairs of the metro entrance, and approached the kiosk to buy my ticket.

The sixteen euro ride that cut through the countryside of Catalonia on the train entertained me for the hour and a half journey.

Views of the greenery and pueblos as they passed by entranced me whilst I daydreamed of how the game could go or perhaps dreamt of myself in a Girona kit balling out in La Liga.

Girona is Lit

Upon arrival in Girona it was time to feast. I sat down for some traditional Spanish tapas and coffee with friends. Sitting outside of the typical cafe you’d find on any corner in Spain. A quick search through the menu to make up our minds.

A round of espressos, croquetas, and creamy patatas bravas had us buzzing for the game. Satiated and itching to watch some good footy we paid the check and made our way to the game.

Echos

The air thickened as I drowned in a Mediterranean sea of red and white flags, scarves, and kits. The streets flooded red and white and we were drawn towards Estadi Montilivi standing gloriously at the end of the road. The distant cheers of the fans echoed down the street and enveloped the moment.

As the road ended we stepped into albirrojo territory. My head on a swivel as I took the moment in. I walked through the gates, and as I came up over the stairs for the first time the feeling was ecstasy.

The view surreal. The crowd freckled with fans young and old. The passion radiant. The uncovered stadium reminiscent of a bullring littered with gorgeous mountainous views was breathtaking. It was more than I could’ve asked for.

As I moved over to my €30 seat it felt as though I was on the pitch. The fans were brimming with excitement. Making their presence known.

The youngest fan on my side in the sickest signed Riquelme kit led the ‘Girooo-NA!’ chant traveling through the entire stadium sending shockwaves of energy through the crowd. Although, another kit showed an undiscovered love to me of Girona fans. ‘Uruguayo’. They love their Uruguayans... but I’m not sure I exactly understand why.

LaLiga

On the pitch, Elche who were fighting a relegation battle came out strong. Putting on a show for their 10 ultra fans who traveled with the team.

Girona couldn’t match Elche’s energy for the first 40 minutes of the match. Tete Morente burnt down the left wing nonstop creating chance after chance. Elche was knocking on the door without a response from Girona.

With more possession, shots, and corners it felt Elche was destined to knock in the first goal of the match, and give themselves a chance at three points.

The stadium soared into celebration, and flipped the momentum going into halftime.

It was a blazing hot day and halftime couldn’t end soon enough, and just as I began to sit in a pool of sweat the two sides returned to the pitch and it was time for the second half kickoff. Girona brought a new energy and life to the pitch from the moment the whistle blew.

Comeback

Elche, however, showed up a shell of their first half self. Their inability to capitalize on their early chances left them for dead as Girona took full control of the match.

Passing the majority of the time in Elche’s half. The crowd chirped and hollered as Girona created chances, won their 1 on 1’s both offensively and defensively, and played with a confidence unseen in the first half.

Seemingly just as Elche began to ground themselves and create some opportunities Girona won the ball deep in their half and began breaking down Elche’s lines. Quickly finding space on the left wing as attackers and midfielders transitioned into the attacking third to make runs into the box looking for a cross.

On the ball for Girona, Toni Suarez looked dangerous as he created the space for himself, picked up his head, and found Castellanos’s feet.

Castellanos struck at goal, but was blocked by Elche’s center backs. It seemed the chance had passed, but the ball bounced and rolled out of the box just as Oriol Romeu stepped up and smashed every midfielders dream into the bottom right corner as his half volley sizzled above the short cut grass and into the side netting.

A calm celebration from him as if he does it every day juxtaposed the crowd shaking the Stadium with joy. Euphoria filled the air. Romeu ran right over to the section I was in as he was dog piled by teammates. He had finished off any last hope Elche had left.

The final whistle blew as Girona picked up a safe three points and sent Elche packing. The stadium hardly cleared out afterward as we stuck around to celebrate the victory.

Girona players & fans alike meshed into one and clapped until our hands hurt. I finally headed out of the stadium when the stewards began ushering fans to the exit.

I didn’t leave before taking one last chance to turn and gaze out upon the gorgeous Estadi Montilivi as the moment came to a close.

Day Out: Girona

Drawing The Line

Day Out: Paris