Girona edged a seven-goal thriller to return to winning ways in LaLiga, downing Leganes 4-3 at the Estadi Montilivi on Saturday. 

The enthralling encounter burst into life in the 21st minute when Miguel Gutierrez's volley found the back of the net with the aid of visiting goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. 

But Girona joy was short-lived as Renato Tapia fired Leganes level four minutes later, only for Arnau Martinez's header to restore the hosts' advantage. 

However, Juan Cruz levelled the game once again four minutes before half-time, ending a thrilling opening 45 minutes that saw 15 shots between either side. 

Substitute Cristhian Stuani handed Girona the lead for a third time from the penalty spot, placing the ball past Dmitrovic after Matija Nastasic had fouled Bojan Miovski.

Sergio Gonzalez then converted Daley Blind's delivery beyond his own goalkeeper for Girona's fourth, though more drama was yet to unfold. 

A fine effort from Munir El Haddadi handed Leganes a lifeline, but Girona were able to hold on to move up to 10th in the table ahead of their Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. 

Data Debrief: Substitute Stuani the star

Girona maintained their unbeaten run against Leganes in LaLiga, earning a third win in their fifth top-flight meeting (D2), though the win was made possible by Stuani. 

The 38-year-old continued to prove that age is just a number, with his 28-minute cameo seeing him record an expected goals tally (xG) of 0.92, more than any of his team-mates. 

Fellow goalscorers Gutierrez and Martinez also played their part, with the defensive duo creating three chances apiece during the contest. 

Girona captain Cristhian Stuani deserves more than anyone to be in the team for the side's first-ever Champions League game on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Michel said.

Michel promised the 37-year-old striker that he would give him the captain's armband when they play in the Champions League after he grabbed an injury-time winner against Real Betis in March.

Girona, who had never qualified for Europe's top club competition in their 94-year history, finally secured a place in the Champions League by finishing third in the LaLiga standings last season.

"Stuani deserves to be in the starting eleven. He has been wearing this shirt for many years. He deserves it more than anyone," Sanchez told reporters on Tuesday.

"The reality is that last year we did things spectacularly. We have arrived at a place that we deserve. We are excited, motivated.

"It's a dream and you have to enjoy it. The growth of this club is demonstrated by moments like this. We have to give our version and enjoy ourselves."

Stuani will be aged 37 years and 342 days on the day of this game and would be the second-oldest outfield debutant in Champions League history, behind Anastasios Mitropoulos (40 years, 109 days) who made a brief substitute appearance for Olympiakos against Rosenborg in December 1997.

Uruguay international Stuani said it would be a dream come true to play in the competition with the club he joined in 2017.

"It is a pride and an honour to be part of all this. It's very special. Not only because of what it means for Girona to play in the Champions League," Stuani said.

"I'm lucky and it's a privilege to be able to enjoy a game like this. It's a dream day and I'm going to achieve it with the club of my life."

The last Spanish side to debut in the competition was Malaga back in the 2012-13 campaign, while each of the last three debuting Spanish sides have gone on to make the knockout stages (Villarreal in 2005-06, Sevilla in 2007-08 and Malaga in 2012-13).

However, only one of the last 28 teams travelling away to PSG for the first time in the Champions League have come away with a victory (D8 L19), with Manchester United winning 3-1 in March 2019.

Cristhian Stuani's first-half penalty helped propel Girona to a 3-1 play-off victory over Tenerife to seal promotion to La Liga.

A goalless draw in the first leg in Girona left everything to play for in the return fixture and a spot-kick from Stuani just before the break gave the visitors the lead, though Carlos Luiz equalised for Tenerife before the hour mark.

Yet an own goal from Jose Leon saw Michel Sanchez's team regain the lead, with Arnau Martinez clinching the result with ten minutes remaining to send Girona back to the top tier of Spanish football.

Stuani netted 40 league goals over two seasons during Girona's last stint in the top flight and the 35-year-old is likely to be a key player next season.

Relegated from La Liga in 2018-19, Girona had back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in the second tier and fell at the last hurdle last year after losing the play-off final to Elche.

Girona coach Sanchez, meanwhile, has now been promoted to LaLiga for a third time, having previously managed the feat with Rayo Vallecano in 2018 and Huesca in 2020.

The result means Tenerife's 12-year wait for a return to the top-flight is extended. 

Girona will discover their fixtures for the 2022-23 season next month ahead of the start of the new campaign in August.