Girona coach Michel hailed matchwinner Cristhian Stuani after victory over Real Betis.

With the scores locked at 2-2, former Middlesbrough striker Stuani struck on 92 minutes to earn the win for Girona.

Michel later said: "He is the most important player in the history of Girona. He continues to demonstrate it with his level of commitment to the club and the locker room.

"He deserves what is happening to him and it brings us closer to Europe. The first game we play in Europe he will wear the captain's armband on his arm."

On the winner, Michel continnued: "We experienced it with uncertainty since it was a fair play. I was not able to celebrate it, but when the goal was scored we were immensely happy as we took a very important step.

"Being with eight days remaining almost mathematically in Europe says a lot of what we are doing."

On the Champions League, Michel said: "The objective is so big that the small goals that we achieve along the way remain there. Today was a complicated match, the Betis eleven was full of top players, Isco at a high level... I am very proud of my players.

"You see them suffering sometimes but having fun with the ball."