Girona returned to LaLiga after a three-year absence on Sunday night with a 3-1 win away over Tenerife in the final of the play-offs to the Spanish top flight from the second division.

Tenerife had been favorites to return to LaLiga after a 12-year-absence as the Luis Ramis' side had drawn 0-0 in the first leg of the play-off in Girona a week ago, but just as what Girona had done in the semifinal, the side coached by Miguel Angel Sanchez 'Michel' showed their personality after a poor first leg result.

Cristhian Stauni put Girona ahead from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute after a handball in the Tenerife area and although the visitors defended well, they couldn't prevent Carlos Ruiz from heading home the equalizer in the 59th minute.

Tenerife's joy lasted less than 10 minutes before Girona had a stroke of fortune to retake the lead when Marc Baena's cross deflected off Carlos Ruiz to leave keeper Juan Soriano completely wrongfooted.

Arnau Martinez added a third for Girona when he was left unmarked at a set-piece to fire home Aleix Garcia's free-kick.

The regular season ended with Almeria and Valladolid returning to the top flight in Spain after finishing first and second in the second division (Liga Smart Bank), while Tenerife and Girona finished fifth and sixth, behind Eibar and Las Palmas, who finished third and fourth.

Almeria, Valladolid and Girona replace Alaves, Levante and Granada in LaLiga after those three sides were relegated last season.

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