C.D. Leganés beats C.D. Lugo in Asier Garitano's debut as coach (3-2)

C.D. Leganés defeated C.D. Lugo (3-2) at the Estadio Municipal Butarque, in the twenty-third match of LaLiga SmartBank, which marked Asier Garitano's return to the bench. Sabin Merino, twice, and Rubén Pardo were the scorers of the goals.

Asier Garitano introduced four new players in his debut on the bench compared to the last lineup, with Jonathan Silva, Luis Perea, Róber Ibáñez and Eraso taking the place of Bustinza, Javi Hernández, Shibasaki and Borja Bastón in the starting eleven.

Lugo took the lead in the first half but Leganés came back with goals from Sabin Merino and Rubén Pardo.

With no time to settle on the field, C.D. Lugo wanted to take the lead on the scoreboard. After a set-piece, Manu Barreiro headed a cross and headed to beat Cuéllar and establish the 0-1. However, the Pepineros reacted quickly and, in minute 10, equalized through Sabin Merino. The '9' took advantage of an assist from Eraso to beat Cantero with his first shot and make the score 1-1. It was his sixth goal of the season.
The match would even out, with both teams exerting strong pressure on the opponent and trying to reach the opponent's area. In minute 23, Róber Ibáñez tried it with a cross shot that Cantero cleared for a corner. And, on the half-hour mark, the pepineros took the lead thanks to a free kick by Rubén Pardo: a great goal by the player from La Rioja, his second consecutive free kick and second so far in the league. The score was 2-1 at halftime.

Sabin widened the gap from the penalty spot and Manu Barreiro reduced the deficit at half time.

After the half time, Eraso had the first chance of the second half in minute 49, with a left-footed shot that didn't find the goal. C.D. Leganés continued to insist, with Jonathan Silva hitting the post. Shortly after, Arnaiz was penalized by Milla Alvéndiz. Sabin Merino converted the penalty to make it 3-1 and score his seventh goal of the season.
The visitors tried to close the gap, and Herrera found Cuéllar, who kept out the goal of the attacker from Lugo with his legs. Soon after, Asier Garitano was forced to make his first substitution when Arnaiz withdrew with discomfort and Avilés entered in his place. In the final stretch, Rubén Pérez, Miguel de la Fuente, Tarín and Shibasaki came on before C.D. Lugo reduced the deficit in half time once again through Manu Barreiro.
There would be no time for more, and C.D. Leganés achieved a victory that places them fifth, with 37 points and still a match pending. Their next match will be on Sunday 7 (14:00) against Girona F.C. at Montilivi.