Meet Paulo Gazzaniga: The Girona goalie with a hat-trick of penalty saves vs Athletic Bilbao

Paulo Gazzaniga is making headlines for all the right reasons after a stunning performance that saw him save three penalties in Girona’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The 32-year-old Argentine goalkeeper pulled off a remarkable feat, denying three different Bilbao players from the spot, leading his team to a crucial win in the La Liga fixture.

Just weeks ago, Gazzaniga found himself in the spotlight for a costly last-minute own goal during Girona’s Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain, but this time, he was the undisputed hero. The former Gillingham and Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper showed nerves of steel as he thwarted Bilbao’s attempts to equalize or take the lead from the penalty spot.

The penalty-saving heroics began in the first half when Gazzaniga saved an effort from Alex Berenguer. As the game progressed, Athletic Bilbao earned another penalty, with striker Iñaki Williams stepping up. Gazzaniga initially saved Williams’ spot-kick, but the referee ordered a retake after ruling that the goalkeeper had moved off his line too early. The responsibility for the second attempt fell to former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, but once again, Gazzaniga was equal to the challenge, diving the right way to make another superb save.

With three saves from the penalty spot, Gazzaniga’s heroic display ensured Girona held on, and his team sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty of their own. Girona’s win propelled them up the La Liga table, with Gazzaniga’s shot-stopping skills the key factor.

Remarkably, this wasn’t the first time Gazzaniga had excelled in penalty situations this week. During Girona’s midweek Champions League loss to Feyenoord, he saved a penalty that prevented the Dutch side from extending their lead.

Gazzaniga’s hat-trick of penalty saves has drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, cementing his reputation as one of La Liga’s top goalkeepers this season. His heroics are reminiscent of his time at Tottenham, where he often stepped up in crucial moments, and now, at Girona, he is proving to be an invaluable asset once again.

The Argentine’s performance is even more special considering his journey from playing for clubs like Gillingham in the lower tiers of English football to becoming a standout goalkeeper in one of Europe’s top leagues. Gazzaniga’s shot-stopping prowess, coupled with his quick reflexes and calmness under pressure, makes him a key figure for Girona as they push forward in both La Liga and the Champions League.

For Gazzaniga, Sunday’s victory over Athletic Bilbao will be remembered as a defining moment in his career, and if his recent form is anything to go by, he is set to continue delivering standout performances for Girona.