Girona claimed their first win of the Segunda División season with a emphatic 5-2 victory over UD Las Palmas at Montilivi this weekend. According to AS, Colombian winger Yáser Asprilla was the star of the show, coming off the bench to score a decisive brace.
Quique Álvarez's side started the match with uncertainty, reflecting a squad still taking shape ahead of the transfer deadline. It was an academy graduate who provided the spark. Jastin García, seizing his opportunity following Minsu's departure, opened the scoring with a powerful strike from outside the box. The spectacular goal lifted a Montilivi crowd in need of something to cheer.
How did Las Palmas respond after half-time?
UD Las Palmas emerged transformed after the break. Manager Rubén De La Barrera made two substitutions and one of them, Iván Jaime, equalised just three minutes after the restart. The Canary Island side improved markedly and seemed to take control of the match. But a defensive error proved costly. Fran Beltrán intercepted a poor pass from Caro to put Girona back in front, a goal that completely shifted the momentum.
What was the impact of Asprilla's introduction?
Quique Álvarez's masterstroke was introducing Yáser Asprilla in the 56th minute. The Colombian winger sensed blood from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. Shortly after coming on, he scored the third goal following a superb individual run. Ten minutes later, he finished off a counter-attack to net the fourth and seal the match. "Asprilla shone with two goals," AS highlighted in their report. The Colombian also had time to provide an assist to Abel Ruiz that was ruled out for offside.
Frustration took over Las Palmas, who were also reduced to ten men after Jesé saw a red card for a challenge on Izan. In the closing minutes, Taisei Miyashiro grabbed a consolation for the visitors, but Izan González scored Girona's fifth and final goal in stoppage time. The win puts the Catalan side on three points in the league table, which you can view on our standings page.
What does this win mean for the season?
Beyond the three points, the triumph helps dispel early doubts and makes a statement to the rest of the division. It shows the depth of a squad that, despite rumours of departures, has quality alternatives. Jastin García and Asprilla delivered when called upon. The team must now consolidate this positive form ahead of upcoming fixtures, which include key matches in the push for promotion places.
The squad, which could still see movement, showed character to overcome a difficult period in the second half. Season data, available in our stats section, reflects a lethal attack in this particular match. Girona's next challenge is an away fixture against Leganés, as listed on our fixtures page.
