Abel Ruiz saves Girona with injury-time goal against Leganés

Girona began their path back to the Segunda División with a bittersweet draw against Leganés (1-1), learning harsh lessons about the category in their opening match. Quique Álvarez's side dominated much of the game at Montilivi, where 10,689 supporters backed the team, but fell into the trap of a rival who defended shrewdly and made the most of their sole clear chance.

The match followed a pattern of control without goals. Girona, with Minsu and Bryan Gil active down the flanks, should have gone ahead through Arnau, but a marginal offside flag ruled out the goal early on. Leganés simply protected themselves without troubling Gazzaniga.

Punishment arrived without warning

Shortly after the restart, Naim García produced a spectacular long-range strike from around 30 yards that nestled in the corner (48'). A wonder goal that completely changed the game and put Girona under pressure. With the lead, the visitors tightened their shape and the home side grew frustrated.

The introduction of Asprilla injected energy into Álvarez's team's search for an equaliser. In the 90th minute, just as Montilivi seemed resigned to defeat, Abel Ruiz appeared in a scrambled box situation to fire home the 1-1. The stadium erupted back to life. There was still time for one final set-piece in added time, but the miracle didn't materialise.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the opener made clear that dominance won't always be enough in the Segunda División. Girona takes their first point, while their journey back to the top flight has begun with a stark warning.