Talking Points: Can Portu become Girona's talisman this season?

The game saw a convincing performance by the Spaniards. 

The second game of the Toyota Yaris La Liga World tournament was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between Melbourne City and Girona FC. The Spanish side's dominant display cost the Australians their second successive win, as they fell to a 6-0 defeat.

Here are the key takeaways from the game:

5. Portu looked a threat throughtout the game

The Girona FC forward was a constant nuisance to the opposition defense with a high press and incisive runs into the channels.

He was rewarded with two early goals. The 26-year-old scored 11 goals and provided five assists in La Liga last season and will look to continue his form in the upcoming season.

4. The match displayed the gulf in class between La Liga and the A-league

Melbourne City were riding on a incredible high following their convincing drubbing of hosts, Kerala Blasters, in their previous fixture. However, the Spanish side gave them a taste of their own medicine by putting a massive six goals past them.

Despite the substantial rise in the quality of Australian football in the past two decades, there is still a long way to go if the A-league is to be considered as one of the world’s best leagues.

3. Warren Joyce has to sort out his defense before the A-League season starts

The Melbourne City defense was torn apart piece-by-piece by the Spaniards who glided past them with shocking regularity. The central defenders consistently lost possession in crucial areas and gifted Girona a host of opportunities.

The failure to get the ball quickly enough to the likes of Dario Vidosic in attack also contributed to the downfall of the City Blues.

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2. Girona FC can target a European spot in the upcoming season

The Catalonia side looked a class apart on the pitch against the Australians and will look to carry on their excellent form into the upcoming La Liga season. Girona finished the previous campaign in 10th place, following their promotion to the top flight a year earlier.

The side will look even more potent once their star striker Christian Stuani returns from his vacation following the World Cup. A Europa League spot may come calling soon.

1. The Toyota Yaris La Liga World tournament is a major coup for Indian football

Five years ago, the thought of an intercontinental tournament being held in India was nothing more than a distant dream. Today, the fact that the nation has played host to a major FIFA tournament as well as an intercontinental pre-season tournament is a testament to how far the sport has come in the country.

We can only hope that the investment and the interest that the ISL and similar leagues have generated continues to grow at the pace it has.