Surprise team FC Girona missed out on a great end to the year and has to fight for the top spot in the Spanish Primera Division.
The small neighbor of the big FC Barcelona had to be content with a 1-1 (1-0) draw at Betis Sevilla on Thursday and goes into 2024 with 45 points. Their pursuer Real Madrid (42) can win away at Deportivo Alaves late on Thursday evening equal in terms of points and move past in the table.
The Ukrainian national player Artem Dowbyk scored his eleventh goal of the season (39th penalty kick) to give the Catalans, led by former Bayern professional Daley Blind, the lead, who were on the verge of their 15th win in their 18th game of the season.
German Pezzella (88th) equalized late for the hosts with ex-Bundesliga players Marc Roca, Juan Miranda and Andres Guardado.
Nevertheless: With one game still remaining in the first half of the season, Girona have only scored four points less than in the entire 2022/23 season.