Girona begins its quest to return to LaLiga against Leganés

The friendlies are done. Girona hosts Leganés this Sunday at 19:00 at Montilivi to open what they hope is their road back to First Division in a season where Quique Álvarez has made clear from the outset: being relegated is no guarantee of immediate promotion, and favorites without hard work are worth nothing.

The Girona squad arrives at this opener still under construction. Portu, Azzedine Ounahi, and newly arrived Unai Hernández will miss out due to lack of match fitness, while defence remains the weakest area. Álvarez himself acknowledged in the build-up that reinforcements will arrive at the back and called for players fully committed to the club. Still, he assured the press he has practically settled on his first official eleven, keen to field a team that dominates possession but is far more solid and balanced than what was seen in pre-season.

Leganés arrive strengthened

They face a Leganés side that also enter the campaign with ambition. Rubén Albés' team completed an intense pre-season against nine different opponents and bolstered their attack with Unax del Cura, who arrives from Mirandés following a €750,000 release clause. The young striker scored five goals in 13 matches with the Basque side.

With a historic 10,000 season ticket record, Montilivi will put all the pressure on a Girona that knows the league will allow no excuses. After weeks of transfer talk and rebuilding, what matters returns: the ball rolling and the countdown to First Division beginning.