(foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Fourth-division Logroñés eliminated Champions League side Girona from the King’s Cup, but controversy erupted over an unawarded Girona goal during the penalty shootout.
The Spanish King’s Cup delivered one of its most dramatic fairy tales as fourth-division side Logroñés stunned Champions League team Girona in the second round after a thrilling penalty shootout (0-0, 4-3). While the underdog’s victory captivated fans, a massive refereeing controversy overshadowed the match, leaving a stain on the competition.
Pol Arnau’s remarkable heroics
The hero of the night for Logroñés was 19-year-old left-back Pol Arnau, who made headlines for his astonishing turn as a stand-in goalkeeper. Forced into the role after Logroñés’ starting keeper Kike Royo was injured, Arnau delivered a performance for the ages. Not only did he prevent Girona from scoring during extra time, but he also saved a penalty from Abel Ruiz, sparking euphoria among fans and teammates alike.
Arnau’s heroics came with a poignant backstory. The teenager is the son of the late Francesc Arnau, the former goalkeeper for Barcelona and Malaga, who passed away three years ago. Spanish media drew emotional parallels between father and son, with headlines reading: "Like father, like son."
The controversy: A goal denied
However, the match's magical narrative took a dark turn during the penalty shootout. In the fifth round of penalties, Girona’s striker Cristhian Stuani unleashed a thunderous shot that cannoned off the crossbar and bounced clearly behind the goal line. Despite the obvious goal, the referee and his assistant failed to award it.
To compound the injustice, Logroñés' Yasin Iribarren converted the next penalty to seal his team’s victory, sending the underdogs through to the next round and leaving Girona eliminated in disbelief.
Spanish football pundits and fans have voiced outrage, with many calling it a glaring officiating error. The lack of VAR or goal-line technology in the competition has reignited debates about the need for such tools at all levels of professional football.
A bittersweet fairy tale
While the story of Logroñés’ triumph has captivated Spain and the wider football world, the controversy surrounding Stuani’s disallowed goal has cast a shadow over their success. Girona’s elimination not only leaves the club feeling robbed but also raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the competition.
For now, Logroñés advances in the King’s Cup, with their miraculous journey led by Pol Arnau’s unforgettable performance. Yet, the stain of refereeing failure remains an inescapable blemish on what could have been a perfect Cinderella story.