Guardiola, hero by insistence

Every great story needs a hero and the one from Rayo to the Cup quarterfinals —twenty years later— is called Sergi Guardiola. The striker, with the permission of an immense Luca, who stopped a penalty against Stuani, put together the perfect match, achieving the tie just before half-time and sentencing as soon as the second half resumed (1-2). Two goals from killer, hunter, rogue. The first, with a great volley from the front and the second, taking advantage of the lack of understanding between Kebe and his goalkeeper Juan Carlos.

But nevertheless, this double in Montilivi has been nothing more than the tip of the iceberg of a remarkable job so far this year. Sergi Guardiola landed in Vallecas on the last market day, on loan from Valladolid until the end of the campaign, while the rumors of a possible arrival of Falcao were turning into certainty. A priori it was not going to be easy, with Nteka responding as a starter and the imminent signing of the Tiger. Far from being intimidated, the man from Manaco earned an opportunity based on work and knew how to take advantage of it. He made his debut at the Ciutat de València and, 26 minutes after taking the field, he scored the tie (1-1) and rescued a point in extremis for the Fringe.

Falcao’s injuries (first at the Bernabéu and then against Espanyol) they once again gave him the opportunity to vindicate himself and the striker responded with flying colors. Guardiola made six starts and scored two goals (Mallorca and Alavés). Beyond the goals, the player has become strong due to his attitude and dedication. He not only shows it with the ball at his feet, but also with pressure and fights without it. His specialty is unchecking. This is how he has been building his relationship with the stands, which he has conquered with hardly any noise.

for now, the striker has played 689 minutes in the League, spread over fifteen games (eight of them as a starter) and has scored three goals and two assists. While in the Cup he has 151 minutes in three games (only one of them in eleven) and two goals. Promising numbers though still far from his record of 17-18 with Córdoba (22 in Second), which make it increasingly difficult for Iraola to choose a striker… Blessed dilemma.