Girona HubGirona suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on May 18, 2026 and, in the 80th minute, Alejandro Francés broke down on the bench, crying in front of DAZN cameras. The Aragonese midfielder, a starter, left the field with a left‑knee injury while the Catalan club remains two points behind Elche in the fight for survival.
What happened at the Metropolitano?
The match was decided in the first half by an Atlético goal that left Girona with no chance of a comeback. With no substitutions left, Míchel had already used all his changes when Francés suffered the injury. The player, who had featured in 24 La Liga games and one Copa del Rey match this season, had to exit the pitch without a replacement. Teammates, including Bryan Gil, tried to console him, but the pressure of relegation was evident in his tears.
How does the injury affect Francés' campaign?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| La Liga appearances 2025‑26 | 24 |
| Minutes played | 1 200 |
| Contract until | June 2029 |
Francés arrived at Girona in 2024 for over €3 million. In his second season, his involvement has been limited by an ankle injury that cost him five games. Now, his absence in the final minutes of the clash with Atlético leaves the team without a key midfield piece just as the battle for survival intensifies.
What does this mean for Girona's future?
With 40 points and sitting 18th, Girona needs at least two wins in the remaining fixtures to distance itself from relegation. Their next opponent is Elche, also fighting to stay up. Francés' unavailability may force Míchel to reshuffle his tactical setup, giving more minutes to academy youngsters. The pressure on the manager and the board grows, as La Liga survival hangs in the balance.
How have the club and fans reacted?
Girona supporters have voiced their backing for Francés on social media, praising his dedication and the difficulty of the situation. The club has not yet released an official statement on the injury's severity, but a medical assessment is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the upcoming match against Elche, where every point will be decisive for salvation.
