The 2024-25 LaLiga opener at Estadio Benito Villamarín was anything but dull. Real Betis set the tempo from the start, riding the energy of their home crowd. In the blink of an eye—just six minutes—the hosts put their stamp on the game. Captain Marc Bartra found space at the near post and buried a powerful header from a perfect Nabil Fekir corner. It was a classic set-piece, the kind Betis have made their own over the past few years.
Betis didn't rest on their early success. Their control was clear, with almost 59% possession and a constant threat coming from Aitor Ruibal and Rodri in attack. Paul Akouokou and Guido Rodríguez orchestrated the midfield, keeping Girona under pressure with sparkling combination play. The shot count told the story: Betis had 19 efforts compared to Girona's 13. Still, their rhythm was often broken by Paulo Gazzaniga, Girona's keeper, who showed sharp reflexes to deny Ruibal and Rodri on several occasions.
The narrative began to shift midway through the second half. Girona, facing an uphill climb for much of the match, nearly silenced the home fans on 62 minutes when Abel Ruiz cracked a shot off the post. That narrow escape for Betis was a warning that their slim lead was on borrowed time.
With Girona manager Míchel quick to shake things up, he introduced Gabriel Misehouy and Iker Almena. That proved inspired. Barely ten minutes after coming on, the duo clicked: Almena sped down the flank, whipped in a low cross, and Misehouy, finding space just inside the box, slotted a cool finish past Rui Silva. Suddenly it was level at 1-1—energy in the stands switched as Girona’s traveling support erupted.
Betis tried to rally for a winner, but the story of the night was Girona’s late resilience. Gazzaniga stayed razor-sharp, making another couple of vital stops and collecting high balls as Betis piled on corners and crosses late. Even clearances from Bartra and a few last-ditch efforts from Betis’ front line couldn’t break the stalemate.
If Betis looked frustrated at full-time—especially with European games looming—they knew they’d let chances slip. Their attacking intent was clear, but Girona’s ability to fight back under pressure caught attention. The new campaign started with plenty of drama, bold attacking football, and emerging talents like Misehouy stealing the headlines.
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