The first round of LaLiga action kicked off with a bang as Girona snatched a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in a captivating encounter at the Estadio Benito VillamarÃn on Thursday evening.
The clash, which pitted two of Spain's European representatives against each other, promised excitement in the sweltering Seville heat, and it certainly delivered. Betis, who will compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League, started brightly, dominating proceedings for the opening hour.
Their dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute, with a perfectly placed corner from captain Nabil Fekir finding defender Marc Bartra at the near post. Bartra unleashed a powerful header into the top corner, giving Betis an early lead.
The home side continued to create chances, but Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga stood tall, thwarting efforts from Aitor Ruibal and Rodri.
However, Girona, who will grace the UEFA Europa League stage this season, gradually grew into the match and started to find their rhythm in the latter stages of the game.
A swift counter attack in the 62nd minute saw Abel Ruiz narrowly miss the target, hitting the post with a well-struck shot. Just ten minutes later, Girona equalised in spectacular fashion.
Dutch midfielder Gabriel Misehouy, brought on as a substitute just minutes earlier, struck a first-time effort from a low cross delivered by fellow substitute Iker Almena. The 20-year-old winger had cleverly sliced through two Betis defenders before sending the ball across the box for Misehouy's clinical finish.
The momentum shifted towards Girona, who could have even taken the lead a minute later, when Chimy Ãvila's acrobatic volley struck the post.
The remaining minutes saw both sides creating opportunities to secure a late winner, but neither team could find the breakthrough. The final whistle left both sides with mixed feelings - a point earned, but also a feeling that a win might have been possible.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Getafe held Copa del Rey champions Athletic Bilbao to a 1-1 draw. Oihan Sancet opened the scoring for the hosts with a stunning long-range strike in the 27th minute, but Getafe equalised through Chrisantus Uche's towering header in the 65th minute.
