19-year-old defender playing as substitute goalkeeper helps knock Girona out of Copa del Rey
The second round of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey is currently underway this midweek, and already, three La Liga clubs have been kicked out of the competition in the last two days. Espanyol were knocked out on Tuesday, with Villarreal and Girona following 24 hours later.
The story of Girona's departure is perhaps the most remarkable. Just before half-time in extra time, opponents Logrones were forced to put a field player in goal after goalkeeper Enrique Royo was forced off after suffering a suspected concussion.
Minute 105. Kike has to leave the field on a stretcher. Let it be as little as possible. As there are no changes, Pol is put under sticks. 0-0.
— UD Logroñés (@UDLogrones) December 4, 2024
19-year-old defender Pol Arnau was chosen to be between the sticks, and remarkably, he avoided conceding during the remainder of extra time. To make matters even better, he saved Abel Ruiz's effort during the penalty shootout as Logrones scored. Gerona 4-3.
TO POL! TO POOOOOOL TO ABEL RUIZ!
— UD Logroñés (@UDLogrones) December 4, 2024
Well what. pic.twitter.com/KmUmnYbwlH
— UD Logroñés (@UDLogrones) December 4, 2024
It would have been a very emotional moment for Arnau, whose father Francesco – who died three years ago – was a goalkeeper for Barcelona and Malaga. Like father, like son.
