Soccer-Girona fight back to share points with Betis in season opener

General view of Girona fans inside the stadium before a match at Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain, May 4, 2024. Albert Gea/File Photo

Girona substitute Gabriel Misehouy struck in the 72nd minute to rescue a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in their opening game of the new LaLiga season on Thursday.

It was an exciting match played on hot summer evening in Seville between two sides who will be among Spain's representatives in European competition this campaign.

It was the hosts, who will play in the Europa Conference League, who started better and dominated proceedings for the first hour of the match after opening the scoring in the sixth minute.

They grabbed the lead when captain Nabil Fekir lifted a perfect cross from a corner that found defender Marc Bartra at the near post to fire a bullet header into the top corner.

They had chances to extend their advantage but were denied by Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who made critical saves from efforts by Aitor Ruibal and Rodri.

However, Girona found their mojo in the last 30 minutes of the game, with Abel Ruiz hitting the post from a counter attack in the 62nd minute.

In a similar play 10 minutes later, Girona managed to equalise thanks to a fine combination between two young substitute players.

Dutch midfielder Misehouy, 19, scored with a first time effort from a low cross by 20-year-old Iker Almena, who sliced two defenders bursting up the right wing before delivering the assist.

Betis' Chimy Avila hit the post with an acrobatic volley one minute later and both teams wasted several chances for the winner late on.

Earlier on Thursday, Getafe held Copa del Rey champions Athletic Bilbao to a 1-1 draw. Hosts Athletic got the lead with a brilliant Oihan Sancet strike from long range in the 27th minute, but that was cancelled out by a towering header from 21-year-old Nigerian Chrisantus Uche in the 65th.