This midweek, there was Copa Del Rey action for many teams in Spain, including Bryan Gil’s Girona, and Alejo Veliz’ RCD Espanyol.
On Wednesday evening, Gil made the return to the starting XI, as Girona faced CD Extremadura, having missed the last few weeks with an injury - that prevented his return to the Spain national team. He was deployed on the right in a 442 set up for this game, with former Spurs winger Arnaut Danjuma on the other side.
Just 12 minutes into the game, Gil marked his return from injury with a goal. It was a fantastic goal at that, too, scoring with a left-footed strike from just outside of the box, to give Girona the lead in the game. They would go onto the win the game 4-0, and comfortably go through to the next round.
With the low level of their opponents, and it being his first game back from injury, Gil was replaced at half-time. In just 45 minutes on the pitch, Gil recorded; 39 touches, 1/1 long balls, one chance created, 4/5 dribbles completed, and five ground duels won.
On Thursday evening, Veliz’ Espanyol side were in action away to San Tirso. Veliz started the game as a lone striker, as manager Manolo Gonzalez opted for a 343 set up. After 31 minutes, Veliz had a header saved when really well placed. In total, the striker had four shots in the first half, though could not find the with any of them. Espanyol had a first half penalty, but Pere Milla took, not Veliz, and had his spot kick denied.
In the 54th minute, at the fifth time of asking – the Spurs loanee had his goal, as he headed home from close range. Ten minutes later, he was so close to his and Espanyol’s second of the game, but his left footed strike hit the post.
It was a dramatic end to the game. With five minutes of normal time left, Espanyol made it 2-0 thanks to Ivan Cardona. Just a minute later, it was 3-0, and Veliz had his second goal of the night, scoring with a left-footed effort from around six yards out.
In stoppage time, Veliz would seal his hat-trick, scoring with another left-footed effort on the counter attack, to secure a 4-0 win. Lower league opposition or not, this will have done a world of good to the confidence of Veliz, and Espanyol in general.
Next up for Girona is a league game at home to Leganes on Saturday, with a 15:15 GMT kick off, where Gil will be looking to make his first La Liga appearance since the 6th of October.
As for Espanyol, it doesn’t get any harder, as they make the short trip to play away to FC Barcelona in La Liga. Kick off for that one is 15:15 GMT on Sunday.