Mikel Jauregizar’s sensational second-half strike rescued Athletic Bilbao from defeat, as they drew 1-1 with Girona at San Mamés, denying the visitors their first La Liga win of the season.
Girona began brightly and should have taken the lead within eight minutes, but Vladyslav Vanat failed to convert a one-on-one chance with Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Moments later, the visitors made no mistake. Azzedine Ounahi netted his first goal for Girona with a spectacular, curling effort that rattled the underside of the crossbar.
Athletic, who had won only one of their previous eight league matches held on Tuesday, struggled to mount meaningful attacks in the opening 45 minutes.
Oihan Sancet, last season’s hat-trick hero against Girona, was their only real threat but blazed a half-volley well over the bar, leaving Paulo Gazzaniga largely untested.
Frustrated by the lackluster first half, coach Ernesto Valverde made four substitutions at the break, a gamble that paid off almost immediately.
Jauregizar marked his entrance by firing a thunderous long-range shot into the top corner just three minutes after the restart to level the scores.
Girona tried to regain composure after conceding, but pressure from the hosts intensified. Gazzaniga produced a string of superb saves, first denying Aitor Paredes’ header and then racing off his line to stop Alex Berenguer from clinching a winner.
Despite a flurry of late attacks, Athletic could not find a decisive goal, leaving them without a victory in three matches.
For Girona, the draw offers a small boost, with two points from their last three games providing hope, even as they remain at the bottom of the table still searching for their first win.
