It has been a difficult campaign for Girona, who sit bottom of LaLiga after a poor run of results. Two seasons ago, Girona were one of Europe’s surprise packages, but they have since struggled to reproduce that form.
The Catalan side travel to Madrid to face Getafe on Friday, a tough fixture that offers little respite. Discipline has become a growing concern for Michel, whose team lead Europe’s major leagues in red cards this season.
Girona’s five dismissals include two for double bookings and three straight reds - a total that puts them ahead of eight other clubs tied on three expulsions each: Athletic Club, Mallorca, and Real Oviedo (LaLiga); Chelsea (Premier League); Rennes, Strasbourg, and Auxerre (Ligue 1); and Mainz (Bundesliga).
Their first red card of the 2025/26 season came on the opening weekend, when goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga was sent off against Rayo Vallecano. Two more followed in the defeat to Levante - Witsel was shown two yellow cards and Vitor Reis a straight red. The most recent two came in the 2-1 win over Valencia, where Ivan Martin and Frances were both dismissed as Girona finished the match with nine men.
Hellas Verona led the way last season
Girona’s current disciplinary record contrasts sharply with last year’s statistics, when Hellas Verona topped the charts with 10 red cards, double Girona’s current total despite the Spanish side having played just less than a third of the season so far.
Verona’s tally included six double bookings and four straight reds, two more than Sevilla and Lens, who each had eight dismissals (three for double yellows and five straight reds).
Real Madrid benefiting most
At the other end of the scale, Real Madrid have been the biggest beneficiaries this season, with five opposition players sent off in their matches - three for double bookings and two straight reds. Their next opponents, Valencia, are close behind with four opposition red cards this term.
Last season, Lazio saw the most opponents dismissed across Europe’s top leagues, with 14 red cards shown to their rivals (nine for double yellows and five straight reds) - well clear of Lille and Werder Bremen, who each benefited from eight.