-snip-
A very reasonable scenario and I agree overall with your statement, that is the best way to stay in the top four of the standings amidst the dominance of Madrid, Barcelona and ATM. I'm trying to look at Girona match schedule in the next five weeks, Girona will face Almeria, Celta Vigo, Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano and Bilbao. In my view, Girona can still stay in the top four of the standings if their opponents are like that.
But we haven't seen Girona consistency throughout the season, and certainly didn't pay much attention to them before. What is clear is that Girona deserves to be the dark horse in La Liga this season, although personally I still have a little doubt that they can finish in the UCL zone.
To finish in the Champions League zone, Girona must maintain consistent performance throughout this season. They could lose to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, but if they are able to secure maximum points against other teams then Girona is safe in the Champions League zone.
So far Girona has proven his abilities in 7/9 matches. Girona collected 22 points from 7 wins and 1 draw in 9 matches, that is definitely something great about them. I don't pay much attention to Girona either, but their fine form earlier this season has certainly caught my attention. However, it is not wrong if there are still many people who doubt Girona.