A dramatic first leg in the promotion play-off semifinals unfolded at Montilivi, where Eibar claimed a hard-fought 0-1 victory over Girona. The Basque side struck early, delivering a powerful message to their opponents and signaling their intent to push toward an exit from the relegation battle into the top flight. The only goal arrived after a long-range strike that left the Girona goalkeeper with little chance, a moment that soon became the central narrative of the evening as Girona pressed to turn the tie around, even while the visitors endured a moment of discipline that briefly complicated the proceedings.
From the opening minutes, both teams showed ambition. Girona sought to unsettle Eibar through quick combinations and attempts to exploit any lapse in the visiting defense, while Eibar looked to control the tempo, keeping the ball and waiting for openings. The early buzz grew when Tejero provided the delivery that culminated in the opening goal, a shot that found the far reach of the Girona goal and sparked a lively response from the Montilivi crowd.
Historically, the Montilivi arena offered a spirited backdrop for such a clash, and this clash did not disappoint. The home side, backed by a crowd of over 9,000, brought energy and intent, and their supporters urged the team forward in search of a way back into the tie. Yet it was Eibar who managed to keep their shape, staying compact and relying on quick transitions to threaten on the break. The resulting minutes featured several moments of goal-scoring drama, with Edu Expósito testing the woodwork and Aketxe extending the lead with a volley from distance that punished Girona’s attempts to clear their lines.
As the first half drew to a close, Girona faced a setback of their own discipline. Tejero received a double booking within a short period, instantly altering the dynamics of the game and inviting analysis of the choices on the field. The match context shifted toward the practical realities of playoff football, where managing results and controlling risk matters almost as much as pursuing goals. The visitors finished the half with a sense of purpose, yet the scoreboard remained fixed at 0-1 as the halftime whistle sounded.
Míchel Sánchez adjusted his approach at the break, introducing Pablo Moreno and Iván Martín to inject more attacking composure. The formation evolved from a 5-2-2-1 stance to a more balanced 4-2-3-1, a tactical tweak that aimed to strengthen the middle of the park and create higher-volume pressure on the Eibar backline. Garitano responded by reinforcing the defense with Arbilla and reshaping his own lineup to sustain the lead while attempting to stifle Girona’s flanks.
The second period saw Girona take more of the initiative, but the realization of chances remained elusive. Arnau Martinez, in particular, had opportunities that teased an equalizer but did not quite find their mark. A nervy spell underlined the intensity of the playoff atmosphere, with the Catalan side pushing forward and the Basque defense resolute and organized. A late strike from Stuani threatened to change the complexion of the tie, yet the Eibar defense held firm, and the team managed to preserve the one-goal advantage.
As the clock wound down, Eibar tightened their grip on the result, deploying a compact defensive block and waiting for opportunities on the counter. Girona continued to probe, with Iván Martín and Aleix García providing moments of quality that kept the home supporters hopeful. In the end, the visitors’ discipline and the go-ahead goal proved decisive, producing a result that leaves the second leg with high stakes and the dream of promotion still alive for both sides. This first-leg performance set the tone for a tense, tactical finale at Ipurúa, where Girona must overturn the deficit to keep their ambitions in the top division within reach.
Data sheet:
0 – Girona FC: Juan Carlos; Arnau, Santi Bueno, Bernardo, Juanpe (Moreno, min. 46), Jairo; Pol Lozano (Iván Martín, min. 46), Aleix García; Álex Baena, Samu Sáiz (Nahuel Bustos, min. 74); Stuani.
1 – SD Eibar: stone cutter; Rober Correa, Frederico Venancio, Chema Rodríguez, Álvaro Tejero; Sergio Álvarez, Edu Expósito (Xabier Etxeita min. 88); Corpas (Arbilla, min. 46), Aketxe (Yanis Rahmani, min. 80), Quique (Toño García, min. 88); Fran Sol (Blanco Leschuk, min. 63).
Aim: 0-1, min. 28: Aketxe.
Judge: Milla Alvendiz (Andalusian committee). Local Stuani (min. 42) and visitors Chema Rodríguez (min. 30), Sergio Álvarez (min. 82), Cantero (min. 87), Rober Correa (min. 90+2) and Yanis Rahmani (min. 90+3). Visitor Álvaro Tejero is shown a double yellow card (min. 45+2 and min. 45+3).
events: The first leg of the promotion to the First Division semi-finals was played in front of 9,450 fans at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. (La Liga)
Related posts:
The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team Girona overpower Mallorca in a 5-3 La Liga thriller to top the table Girona’s late surge tops Valencia as Stuani nets twice Goya Nod Elevates Fernando Tejero, Acknowledging a Year of Diverse Roles Girona Edges Sevilla 2-1 at Montilivi, Extending Unbeaten Run Girona advances as Míchel Sánchez’s side dominates the Copa del Rey clash with Rayo Vallecano Girona’s 6-2 Victory Sparks a European Dream and a Tough Path to Safety Girona edges Celta Vigo with dramatic 91st-minute strike Girona and Osasuna settle for a 1-1 draw amid tense LaLiga contest Andorra earns a point in Ipurúa as Eibar’s four game win run ends Girona-Celta Vigo: La Liga Clash Ends in Narrow Result Girona Triumphs 3-0 at Montilivi as Herrera and Stuani Lead the Charge