Almeria 0-0 Girona: Leaders frustrated by bottom side in goalless draw

Surprise LaLiga leaders Girona were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by bottom side Almeria on Sunday, with Aleix Garcia receiving a straight red card late in the second half.

With Real Madrid playing in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona in Saudi Arabia later on Sunday, Girona reclaimed the lead in the standings with 49 points, one ahead of Real and eight clear of Barcelona in third place.

Girona had slightly more than 55% possession but lacked ideas and barely threatened their opponents, managing only one shot on goal throughout the game.

They were fortunate to salvage a point in a match in which Almeria was the superior team but failed to score, leaving them winless in the league after 20 games.

Almeria squandered another opportunity to win a game they dominated against a top-tier opponent.

They had pushed Barcelona before the Christmas break, but came away empty-handed after a late Sergi Roberto goal gave the Catalans a 3-2 win.

On Sunday, Almeria dominated the game but were thwarted by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who made a series of saves.

Midfielder Sergio Arribas squandered several excellent opportunities, including a sitter from close range.

Aleix Garcia was sent off in the 80th minute for holding Gonzalo Melero from behind as the Almeria midfielder attempted to surge past Gazzaniga on the edge of the box.

Girona withstood late pressure to earn a point, but a second draw in three games will feel like another missed opportunity to widen the gap at the top of the table.

SportsLigue