How Girona FC's David Lopez's late goal sank Valencia CF to the relegation zone

LaLiga: Girona end winless streak with dramatic win over Valencia

Girona survived a late Valencia rally to secure three precious points in their quest for survival with a narrow 1-0 win.

Valencia CF slump to the relegation zone

David Lopez's second-half header condemned Valencia to a third consecutive defeat in LaLiga, leaving them languishing in the relegation zone.

The win moves Girona seven points clear of danger, while Valencia remain rooted to the bottom with just 20 points from 22 games.

It was a spirited performance from Girona, who had not won in their previous five league outings. They started the game brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Cristhian Stuani converted a penalty after Thierry Correia had been brought down in the box.

Valencia improved after the break and came close to equalising when Edinson Cavani's header was ruled out for offside. The visitors continued to press and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Justin Kluivert's cross was met by Lopez, who headed home from close range.

Valencia had chances to snatch a point in the closing stages, but Girona held on for a vital victory.

What does this mean for Girona and Valencia?

The win is a major boost for Girona's survival hopes. They are now seven points clear of the relegation zone and have a game in hand over third-bottom Celta Vigo.

For Valencia, the defeat is a major setback. They are now three points adrift of safety and have a difficult run of fixtures coming up, including games against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Player ratings

Girona: * Juan Carlos: 7 * Juanpe: 7 * Bernardo Espinosa: 7 * Santi Bueno: 7 * Miguel Gutierrez: 7 * Ramon Terrats: 7 * Oriol Romeu: 8 * Aleix Garcia: 7 * Rodrigo Riquelme: 7 * Cristhian Stuani: 8 * Valentin Castellanos: 6 Valencia: * Giorgi Mamardashvili: 6 * Thierry Correia: 5 * Eray Comert: 5 * Mouctar Diakhaby: 5 * Jose Gaya: 6 * Yunus Musah: 6 * Andre Almeida: 5 * Ilaix Moriba: 5 * Justin Kluivert: 7 * Samuel Lino: 6 * Edinson Cavani: 6

What's next?

Girona will host Real Sociedad on Saturday, while Valencia will travel to Getafe on Sunday.