A 1-1 draw that feels like a victory. This is how Girona celebrated their point against a disappointing Real Madrid. While the Catalan club, currently 16th in La Liga, held their own against the Merengues, much of the credit goes to Azzedine Ounahi’s impressive performance. Dominating the midfield for over 80 minutes, the Moroccan midfielder showcased his skills after joining from Panathinaikos just before the transfer window closed. Ounahi, a former Marseille player, had set his sights on La Liga despite summer offers, opting instead for Míchel’s project — a decision that has proven beneficial. Having a strong season in Greece behind him, the former OM player integrated seamlessly into Girona’s demanding team without needing time to adapt.
On September 23, 2025, he made an impact by scoring with a stunning volley against Bilbao at San Mamés. Míchel praised Ounahi not only for his silky technique but also for his defensive aggression and tactical intelligence, qualities that were sometimes overlooked in the past. After recovering from a foot injury in October, the Lion of the Atlas returned eager to prove himself. Following a strong game against Betis, he truly shone against Real Madrid. Playing against Kylian Mbappé’s team, Ounahi was a ball magnet, enhancing the team’s play and scoring the only goal of the match — a remarkable goal. His man-of-the-match status was clear both in La Liga and across social media, which heralded his standout performance.
The Spanish press celebrates Ounahi’s performance
The Iberian press quickly reacted to his exceptional display. Marca described the first half as “exceptional,” noting that this performance “reaffirms him as a great player,” reminiscent of the praise he received from Luis Enrique after the famous Spain-Morocco match in the 2022 World Cup. According to As, it’s evident: “Ounahi is the new heir to Girona’s throne” in the absence of captain Stuani. The sentiment is echoed in Catalonia, where the misstep of their Madrid rivals is savored. Mundo Deportivo hailed “Ounahi the star,” emphasizing that “he brings magic and has opened the path once again.” Meanwhile, Sport characterized him as a player who “brought light and sparked excitement in the stands of Montilivi.”
With 3 goals and 1 assist in just 9 La Liga matches, Ounahi is experiencing a revival. This is good news for coach Walid Regragui with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup 2026, and for Girona, who see the value of their midfielder rising (around €10 million). Marseille is also closely watching Ounahi’s resurgence, as they hold a resale percentage, potentially benefiting from the rise of their former player, who seems unlikely to stay in Catalonia for long if he continues at this level.
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