Girona FC secured a narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal CF at Estadi Montilivi after an unfortunate own goal from Pau Navarro decided the contest.
After more than two weeks without action due to the international break, both teams looked short of rhythm in a first half that produced few clear openings.
Georges Mikautadze came closest for Villarreal in the early stages, first seeing a deflected strike drift narrowly wide before being denied by an outstanding recovery challenge from Vitor Reis.
Girona suffered an early setback when top scorer Vladyslav Vanat limped off injured after only 12 minutes.
However, his replacement, Abel Ruiz, nearly made an instant impact when he intercepted an underhit backpass from Renato Veiga and rounded goalkeeper Luiz Junior, only for Veiga to recover in time and stop a simple finish for Ivan Martin.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in first-half stoppage time when Arnau Martinez delivered a dangerous cross that Navarro inadvertently turned into his own net.
Villarreal pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Reis again proved vital by blocking a close-range effort from Gerard Moreno. Girona also threatened to extend their lead, with Viktor Tsygankov and Axel Witsel both going close.
Despite late changes from Villarreal boss Marcelino, the visitors could not find a way back into the match. The defeat leaves Villarreal still comfortably placed in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot, although their recent away form remains a concern.
For Girona, the victory lifts them to 12th place and gives them momentum ahead of Friday’s trip to face Real Madrid CF at the Bernabeu.
