Jose Copete’s 33rd minute strike saw us beat Girona 1-0 at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix as we returned to LaLiga action with three points.Javier Aguirre rotated the side which beat Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final, with Predrag Rajković returning in goal, Vedat Muriqi starting in attack and Toni Lato slotting in at left back.We almost got off to the perfect start when a deep in-swinging cross from Dani Rodríguez following a short corner was forced onto the bar in the 14th minute.
We remained dangerous at set-pieces and got ourselves in front in the 33rd minute when Copete reacted first to a loose ball in the box and fired home from close range.
The visitors were limited to half chances as we headed into the break with a slender lead.
We were close to a second in the 48th minute when Cyle Larin took advantage of a defensive mix-up to get a strike away which was deflected into the side netting by a matter of inches.
Substitute Portu had one of the better chances for the visitors in the 73rd minute, although his close-range effort went over the bar from a tight angle.
Girona desperately searched for a late equaliser and almost got one in injury time via Couto, but Rajkovic was on hand to make a fine save and tip over the bar.
Our defence remained resolute as we ensured all three points stayed on the island.