Girona goalkeeper saves three penalties in La Liga (Video)

Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga produced an exceptional performance in his team's thrilling 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the ninth round of the Spanish Football League on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Argentine goalkeeper saved two penalty kicks, one of which was retaken, before his teammate, striker Cristhian Stuani, who came from Uruguay, succeeded in scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick in the ninth minute of stoppage time, to secure Girona's victory.

Girona coach Michel praised Gazzaniga, speaking to reporters, adding: "I'm happy to get the three points, but we still have to improve a lot. I liked the performance in the second half against Bilbao when we came back. I was sure of it and that Stuani would score (the penalty)."

Paulo Gazzaniga shines as he saves three penalties against Athletic Bilbao #LaLiga #GironaAthletic pic.twitter.com/7wJEPNeKFM

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 6, 2024

Alex Berenguer missed a penalty in the first half, as did Inaki Williams in the second half. Williams' kick was retaken after the goalkeeper's foot crossed the goal line, and Ander Herrera stepped up to take the retake, but the Argentine goalkeeper saved his attempt.

"I didn't think he (Gazzaniga) would save the penalty that Herrera re-took, because I thought he wouldn't be able to save the third penalty... but Gazzaniga made a great intervention to keep the team's hopes alive. I didn't know what would have happened if the score had become 2-1," Michel continued.

Girona's Arabic account on X interacted with the goalkeeper's amazing saves with a sarcastic tweet: "If you greet Gazina, he will block it."

Girona, who have never qualified for a European competition in their 94-year history, finished third in the league last season to qualify for the Champions League just four years after being promoted to the top flight.

Girona currently sit in mid-table with 12 points after 9 matches.

(Reuters)