Asprilla draws inspiration in Gijón as Girona joins the Segunda elite

Yáser Asprilla supplied the moment of inspiration at El Molinón, and Girona continued its climb in Spain’s second division with a 2-0 win over Sporting.

The Colombian’s elegant chip opened the scoring. Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga launched the ball forward for Asprilla, who controlled it superbly before lifting a spectacular finish over Sporting goalkeeper Yáñez.

It was Asprilla’s fourth goal in four matches. His most prolific season had brought six goals for Watford in 2023-24, the form that helped earn him a move to Girona for 18 million euros, making him the most expensive signing in the Catalan club’s history.

Carles Pérez then made an imposing debut. He collected the ball in his own half, surged down the right, cut inside twice near the area and placed a left-footed shot beside the post. Girona had not won away from home since January, when it lost at Cornellà in a match that contributed to its relegation.

The result followed Girona’s 5-2 thrashing of Las Palmas at Montilivi the previous week. Together, the victories have put Quique Álvarez’s side among the stronger teams in the division after its hesitant start, just as the summer transfer window closed.