C.D. Leganés fail to perform in league opener (1-0)

C.D. Leganés were unable to win their first game of the season. The pepineros struggled to assert themselves at the Reale Arena in a game where the one goal from youngster Karrikaburu was the decider. Doukouré, Quintillà and homegrown Naim García also clocked their first few league minutes in blue and white.

Home-grown player Naim García had the best chance for Leganés in the first half.

Sixty-nine days after their last official match, the pepineros begin their fifteenth season in the second division. Their starting XI featured one of their summer arrivals, Ivorian Cheick Doukouré, and two homegrown players, Diego García and Naim García, who made their debuts in the first team line-up, Naim having played last season at 19 in the Juvenil 'A' of the División de Honor.

Sabin Merino had the first shot for the pepineros in the 7th minute, while Naim came close twice in the 13th minute, first with a whip from outside the area that was echoed with a sharp follow-up. Both sides showed great pace, pressing and intent to win the ball. The score was evenly balanced and the number of chances stayed limited, with a high header from Karrikaburu in the 43rd minute being the most dangerous for Xabi Alonso's men. It was 0-0 at half-time.

A goal from Karrikaburu at the start of the second half decided the outcome.

The second half started with no changes, in which the home side took the lead in the 56th minute through Karrikaburu, who turned in the area and beat Riesgo with a tight right-footed finish. Leganés responded through Naim, who again forced Zubiaurre to intervene with another powerful left-footed shot. And, in the 60th minute, it was Sabin Merino who renewed the goal threat, only to see the shot, after a deep delivery from Omeruo, fly high.

Leganés tried to react with a triple substitution in the 68th minute, with Asier Garitano bringing on Quintillà (his blanquiazul debut), José Arnaiz and Juan Muñoz in place of Tarín, Eraso and Diego García. In the 71st minute, Riesgo had to intervene on Martón's header, making a great save to turn the shot behind for a corner. Bustinza and Recio, in place of Palencia and Doukouré, were the last changes in the 76th minute.

Leganés pushed on to produce another opportunity in the 82nd minute when Sabin Merino's shot cleared the bar. In the 86th minute, it was Arnaiz who had a shot from outside the area that narrowly disappointed. The blanquiazules persisted until the end, but the final whistle came too soon to organise a proper response. The next game for the pepineros will be on Monday 23rd (22:00) at Butarque against Burgos C.F.