Girona were edged out 3-2 in a pulsating and end-to-end encounter at Montilivi against Real Betis, a match in which the hosts showed spirit and attacking intent but were ultimately punished by the visitors’ clinical finishing at crucial moments.
Míchel’s side made a bright start and took the lead as early as the 7th minute when Viktor Tsygankov calmly finished off a well-worked attacking move involving Echeverri, sending the home fans into celebration and rewarding Girona’s aggressive opening spell.
Betis gradually settled into the game and restored parity in the 23rd minute through Marc Roca, who unleashed a powerful strike from distance that caught Paulo Gazzaniga off guard.
The first half ended level at 1-1, with Girona arguably feeling they had done enough to be ahead.
The second half brought more drama as the tempo increased. In the 63rd minute, Abde Ezzalzouli completed a swift counter-attack to put the visitors in front for the first time.
Girona, however, responded strongly and were back on level terms just five minutes later when Azzedine Ounahi confidently converted from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.
With momentum swinging and both sides pushing for a winner, Betis struck again in the 80th minute.
Rodrigo Riquelme finished off a well-orchestrated move to restore the visitors’ lead, a goal that eventually proved decisive.
Despite Girona’s late pressure and determination to salvage something from the contest, Betis held firm to secure all three points.
Girona now turn their attention to their next LaLiga fixture away to Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday at 6:30 PM.
