Daley Blind: The former Manchester United defender in an epic run for the La Liga title

The weekend's La Liga action saw Girona held to a goalless draw at home to sixth-placed Real Sociedad. Although they did not find all three points and regain their place at the top of the table, the Northern Catalan outfit found their third clean sheet in four league games, with an impressive backline with the likes of on-loan Manchester City defender Yan Couto. like Eric Garcia, who is another loan from Barcelona. Daley Blind, who has been an ever-present at the back this season, has been instrumental in providing defensive solidity for the title chasers.

Speaking after signing for the club in July, Blind was enthusiastic about the project: “Of course you have to have ambition every time you play on the pitch, and of course you want to reach as high as possible, so that's what we have. to do this year as well.” Despite being upbeat after signing for his new club, it's fair to say the former Manchester United defender could not have imagined his current league position as we head into the final stages of the season.

The 33-year-old has collected a long list of honors during his career with seven Eredivisie league titles with his boyhood club Ajax, a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich last season, as well as a Europa League title , an FA Cup and an EFL Cup. win during his four years with Manchester United between 2014-2018. Despite all this, a La Liga title with league fish Girona could be the most memorable.

With comparisons to Leicester City's epic league win in 2015-16 season, Gerona only won promotion to the first division after the 2021-22 season, with a 10th place finish last season. To add to that, this will be only the team's fifth season competing in La Liga with the underdogs looking to do the unthinkable as they head into a clash with La Liga giants and now title rivals from the Real Madrid on Saturday night. With Daley Blind suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card, will Girona respond to Los Blancos' challenge without their star centre-back?

Watch Real Madrid vs Girona this Saturday 10 February, with coverage starting at 5:00pm GMT on Viaplay Sports 2 and ITV4.