Five reasons to believe in Girona's promotion chances

The best defence in the league

Girona FC have conceded the fewest goals in the Liga Adelante this season by quite a distance, with a large part of that down to defensive solidity and Isaac Becerra's outstandingly consistent performances between the sticks. Becerra conceded only 28 goals in 42 matches, while Osasuna's Nauzet Perez picked the ball out of his net 40 times in the same number of games. On top of that, Girona only conceded two goals in their final nine league fixtures.  

A season of two halves

Girona found themselves in 18th place in the Liga Adelante table on Matchday 17 and ended the first half of the campaign in 16th. Their ascent since then has been relentless, with a magnificent run of only one defeat in their final 13 games firing them up to a deserved fourth-place finish. The Catalan side come into the playoff final in fine form, boosted further by the remarkable comeback against Cordoba in the previous round.

No penalty shootout 

Another reason to believe in Girona's promotion chances is that a draw would work in their favour. If the first and second legs produce identical scorelines, extra-time will be played. If an additional 30-minute period does not separate the two sides, the club that finished higher in the league table will be promoted, without needing to resort to a penalty shootout. Girona finished fourth in the Liga Adelante, while Osasuna ended the season in sixth, meaning the Catalan outfit would come out on top if such a scenario were to occur.

Cristian Herrera is in form 

Spaniard Cristian Herrera was already Girona's hero in the previous round against Cordoba, with two of the four goals and heads into the Osasuna clash in scintillating form, having scored in each of the club's last four matches. The striker was on the scoresheet in both legs against Cordoba as well as in the final two league fixtures of the campaign, including the only goal in a tense game against SD Ponferradina that sealed Girona's playoff berth. The 25-year-old's eye for goal is even more reason for the Catalan side's fans to dream of promotion.

Learning from past experience 

Girona have a wealth of playoff experience to call upon, having featured in two of the last three editions. Although they were unsuccessful on both occasions, the lessons learned could well be decisive this time around. In 2012/13, a 4-2 aggregate win over AD Alcorcon in the semi-finals was followed by a 4-0 hammering at the hands of UD Almeria. Last season, meanwhile, they fell at the semi-final hurdle thanks to a crushing 4-1 home defeat by R. Zaragoza, after a seemingly convincing 3-0 away win in the first leg. The club is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky which would allow them to embark on a new chapter.