Paulo Gazzaniga, the “penalty-saving expert” of LALIGA EA SPORTS

Matchday 9 of LALIGA EA SPORTS produced several memorable moments, especially in the game between Girona FC and Athletic Club. That’s because Paulo Gazzaniga saved three penalties in the one match. He first denied Álex Berenguer, before parrying from Iñaki Williams and, when it was ruled that that spot kick should be retaken, he also blocked Ander Herrera. This was undoubtedly a historic performance by the Argentinian goalkeeper, whose efforts helped Girona FC win 2-1 against Los Leones. 

It was a very entertaining game between two teams who approached it with attacking play. This led to many chances and what was a de facto penalty shootout, as the referee awarded two penalties for Athletic Club and one for Girona FC. In the first half, the Basque side were given a spot kick and penalty specialist Berenguer stepped up, but Gazzaniga guessed correctly and parried the ball away.

The Argentinian saved from the spot twice in the second half

After the break, Athletic Club were awarded a second penalty. At this stage it was 1-1, meaning the visitors had the chance to put themselves ahead. However, Gazzaniga had other ideas and made two saves from 12 yards out. 

First of all, he denied Iñaki Williams by guessing he’d shoot down the middle. However, this penalty had to be retaken because the goalkeeper had slightly come off his line before the ball was kicked. Incredibly, Gazzaniga saved again, when Herrera took over the penalty-taking responsibilities for the retake. This time Gazzaniga’s save counted, as he kept his side level. 

This meant Girona FC still had a good chance of winning the match, and they did so thanks to a spot kick of their own during stoppage time, which club legend Cristhian Stuani fired into the back of the net. This earned all three points for Míchel’s men, a big win for the Catalan outfit who had gone four LALIGA EA SPORTS matches without victory while suffering a pair of Champions League losses too. This win will long be remembered by the fans at the Estadi Montilivi, who know that the hero of the day was Paulo Gazzaniga.