Cristhian Stuani Boosts Girona European Dream With Late Betis Winner

Cristhian Stuani's last-gasp strike earned Girona an entertaining 3-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday, keeping the minnows on track for Champions League qualification. Michel Sanchez's side had fallen badly out of form after running leaders Real Madrid close in the title race for most of the season, but Stuani's goal clinched their third win in eight matches. Two David Lopez errors gifted Betis forward Willian Jose two goals to twice equalise goals from Girona forward Artem Dovbyk but veteran Uruguayan forward Stuani had the final say.

Girona, third, lead fourth place Athletic Bilbao by nine points before the Basque side visit Real Madrid later Sunday, while Atletico Madrid are 10 points behind in fifth and face Villarreal Monday.

With eight matches remaining Girona are seven points behind Los Blancos and two behind second-place Barcelona, who beat Las Palmas on Saturday.

"Until (qualification) is mathematically sealed, we'll keep working and preparing for matches as if they were the last," Stuani told DAZN.

"We're on a good path, living through a historic year and let's finish it in the best way we can."

At a rainy Montilivi stadium, the two sides tussled intensely without creating much in the opening stages.

Eventually, the hosts were handed an opportunity to break the deadlock when Chadi Riad handled Dovbyk's header.

The Ukrainian calmly slotted home from the spot to send his side ahead after 36 minutes, although they did not keep the lead for long.

In stoppage time, Lopez gave the ball way with a careless pass and Jose quickly lobbed home from over 30 yards out with Paulo Gazzaniga out of his goal.

Girona moved back in front after a good move, finished by Dovbyk. The striker slid home after Portu played him in on goal