Girona Stuns Atlético Madrid: Last-Minute Thriller Shakes Up La Liga Standings

Sunday’s curtain-closer at Montilivi sees Girona welcome Atlético Madrid in a clash that headlines La Liga’s final matchday, with kick-off set for 13:00 CEST (12:00 BST / 08:00 ET) and live coverage on ESPN+ in the United States. Atlético travel to Catalonia needing just a point to lock up third place and the accompanying automatic UEFA Champions League berth; Diego Simeone’s side sit on 73 points, three ahead of Athletic Club and boasting a superior goal difference. Girona, already assured of safety, can still climb into the top half with a victory, adding extra spice for the home crowd. Recent form and head-to-head • Atleti have won the last two meetings by an aggregate 6-1, including a 3-0 triumph in Madrid earlier this season. • Girona, however, have taken points off Barcelona and Real Betis at Montilivi, proving they can trouble top-four opposition. Expected line-ups Girona (4-4-2): Krapyvtsov; Blind, Krejčí, Francés, Arnau Martínez; Asprilla, Arthur, Yangel Herrera, Tsygankov; Stuani, Portu. Atlético (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Giménez, Hermoso, Azpilicueta; Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Riquelme; Griezmann, Morata*projected*. Key storylines to watch • Griezmann chases his 20th league goal, while Morata looks to end a six-game drought. • Girona’s veteran striker Cristhian Stuani needs one more goal to reach double figures for the fifth time in Spain’s top flight. • Tactical contrast: Girona’s possession-based build-up under Míchel versus Atlético’s compact 4-4-2 and lethal counterpress. How to watch & live-stream USA: ESPN+, ESPN3 (English & Spanish commentary) UK & Ireland: Viaplay Sports 2 Spain: DAZN LaLiga Global streaming providers may vary; check local listings. Odds & betting insight ESPN BET lists Atlético ­-0.5 favorites with the over/under at 3.5 goals. Given Atleti’s need for points and Girona’s free-scoring approach at home, both-teams-to-score has landed in six of Girona’s last seven outings. Injury news • Girona remain without long-term absentee Sávio (knee). • Atlético are monitoring Samuel Lino (ankle) and Rodrigo Riquelme (illness); late fitness tests expected. Prediction Expect an open encounter as Girona push for a statement finish while Atlético protect third. Quality in both penalty areas should tilt the balance toward Los Rojiblancos. Girona 1-2 Atlético Madrid.