As La Liga heads into its crucial final stretch, Leganes and Girona face off in a relegation six-pointer at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on 24 April 2025.
Both the teams are embroiled in a battle to secure their top-flight status, making this clash a defining moment in their 2024-25 campaigns.
Form Guide and Team Performance
Leganes
Leganes, under manager Borja Jimenez, have prioritized defensive solidity but struggled offensively. Currently in 19th with a meager 1 win in their last 13 games, they are desperate for points to climb out of the bottom three.
Recent back-to-back 3-2 losses to Real Betis and Real Madrid from winning positions have brutally exposed their weakness. The goalless draw at Mallorca on April 19 showed they can frustrate stronger sides, but their inability to score remains a glaring issue.
A victory could pull them within touching distance of safety, especially with Girona, who sit just three points above the relegation zone, as their opponents.
Girona
Girona, in 15th, are enduring a nightmare season following their historic third-place finish and Champions League qualification in 2023-24.
A club-record 10-match winless streak, including a 3-1 home defeat to Real Betis on April 21, has left them dangerously close to the drop.
Their away form is particularly dire, with just one point from their last six games on road and 14 goals conceded in that span. A loss here for Michel Sanchez’s side could drag them into the relegation zone, with a tough run-in against Mallorca, Villarreal, Real Sociedad, and Atletico Madrid looming.
Injuries to key players have disrupted their 4-3-3 system, which relies on possession and wide play. Their inability to replace last season’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk has left them overly reliant on 38-year-old Cristhian Stuani.
Key Players and Stats
Leganes
- Daniel Raba: The Spanish forward has scored 6 goals in his last 7 starts, and leads the goalscoring charts for Los Pepineros with 7 goals. His late runs and ability to capitalize on defensive errors will be crucial against Girona’s shaky backline.
- Renato Tapia: The Peruvian midfielder anchors the midfield, breaking up play and providing defensive stability. His rare goal-scoring contribution in the reverse fixture highlights his occasional attacking impact, but his primary task will be neutralizing Girona’s midfield trio.
- Marko Dmitrovic: The Serbian goalkeeper’s shot-stopping has kept Leganés in games, and his experience will be vital against Girona’s attacking threats. His distribution could initiate quick counters for Leganés’ 4-4-2 setup.
Girona
- Cristhian Stuani: The forward has 8 goals, 1 assist in 30 games for the Gironistes this season. The 38-year-old veteran remains Girona’s top scorer despite limited minutes. His poacher’s instinct and aerial ability make him a constant threat, especially in a team struggling for goals. He scored twice in a 2-1 win over Leganés last season.
- Yangel Herrera: The midfielder has 4 goals, 3 assists in 28 games. Herrera’s box-to-box energy and goal-scoring nous are critical in Girona’s midfield.
- Viktor Tsygankov: The winger has 2 goals, 4 assists in 25 games. Tsygankov’s creativity on the right flank is a key outlet for Girona.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
- Recent Meetings:
- Girona 4-3 Leganés (November 2, 2024): A high-scoring thriller saw Girona prevail despite Leganés’ late rally.
- Last 13 meetings: Girona 7 wins, Leganés 1 win, 5 draws.
- At Butarque: Girona unbeaten in 6 visits (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Trend: Matches between these sides are often tight, with most being low-scoring. The 4-3 result earlier this season was an anomaly, as 73% of Leganés’ games and Girona’s recent clashes tend to have under 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Both teams are in dire form, but Leganes’ home advantage and desperation could give them a slight edge.
Scoreline Prediction: Leganes 1-0 Girona
The return of Daniel Raba bolsters Leganes’ attack, while Girona’s reliance on Stuani and a patched-up squad limits their threat.
- Double Chance – Leganes or Draw:
- Why: Leganés’ home form (unbeaten in 3 of last 5 at Butarque) and Girona’s abysmal away record (1 win in 12) make it unlikely Girona will win.
- Under 2.5 Goals:
- Why: Leganes’ games see under 2.5 goals in 73% of cases, and Girona’s attacking output has waned (3 goals in last 6 games). The reverse fixture’s 7 goals were an anomaly; expect a return to low-scoring norms.
- Daniel Raba to Score Anytime:
- Why: Raba’s 6 goals in 7 starts and his strike in the 4-3 loss to Girona make him the focal point of Leganes’ attack. Girona’s defense, conceding 14 goals in 6 away games, is vulnerable.
- Correct Score – 1-0 Leganes:
- Why: Leganes’ defensive setup under Borja Jimenez and Girona’s lack of cutting edge away (1 goal in 3 of last 6 road games) suggest a narrow home win.
- BTTS – No:
- Why: Leganes’ blunt attack (2 shots on target vs Mallorca) and Girona’s scoring struggles away (0 goals in 3 of last 6) make it likely at least one team fails to score.
Always gamble responsibly and consider all factors before placing a bet.
