Why the Road Back to Primera Is Longer Than You Think

Relegation from LaLiga’s top flight isn’t just a setback—it’s a three-year gauntlet where the odds are stacked against you. This season alone, three teams (Valladolid, Leganés, and Girona) faced the brutal reality of Segunda División’s play-offs, where only one spot awaits in the top flight. The numbers don’t lie: since 2019, only three of 12 clubs that reached the play-offs have succeeded on their first attempt.

Take Leganés, who barely survived relegation this season after a last-gasp 1-0 win over Almería on the final day. Their play-off campaign last year ended in heartbreak—a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Alcorcón. Valladolid, another relegation candidate, saw their season unravel in the final stretch, finishing just one point above the drop zone. And Girona? They know the pain all too well.

Girona’s Three-Year Play-Off Nightmare

Girona’s journey back to Primera División reads like a survival story. After their first relegation in 2019, they threw money at the problem—assembling one of Segunda División’s most expensive squads in 2020—but still fell short in the play-off final against Elche. The following year, they lost again, this time to Rayo Vallecano. It wasn’t until their third attempt, in 2022, that they finally broke through, defeating Tenerife in a two-legged final.

The lesson? Money alone doesn’t guarantee success. Girona’s experience mirrors that of other clubs like Eibar (who failed twice before succeeding in 2019) and Osasuna (who took four years to return after their 2013 relegation). The play-offs are a minefield of pressure, where one bad decision or unlucky bounce can derail years of work.

This Season’s Relegation Battles: A Preview of the Pain Ahead

Leganés, Valladolid, and Girona’s struggles this season underscore why the play-offs are so brutal. Leganés, who finished 18th, were just one point above the relegation zone for much of the campaign. Their late-season collapse—losing four of their last six games—forced them into a desperate scramble for survival. Valladolid, meanwhile, saw their season unravel after a strong start, finishing 17th with just 41 points.

For these clubs, the play-offs aren’t just about football—they’re about identity. “What others do doesn’t matter. We have to focus on ourselves,” said one anonymous club source, reflecting the mindset of teams fighting for their future. The pressure is immense: a single defeat in the play-offs can mean another year in the wilderness.

What Makes the Play-Offs So Difficult?

Several factors combine to make the play-offs a near-impossible challenge:

• Financial Disparity: Top-flight clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid spend €100M+ annually, while Segunda teams operate on budgets 10x smaller. The gap widens in the play-offs, where bigger clubs often bring in loan players or high-profile signings.
• Psychological Toll: Play-off matches are played in two legs, meaning a single bad day can eliminate a team. The pressure is relentless—fans, media, and even players question every decision.
• Unpredictable Opponents: The play-offs pit clubs against teams they’ve never faced in league matches, adding an extra layer of uncertainty. Tactics, formations, and even travel conditions can play a role.
• Luck of the Draw: Some teams face weaker opponents in the first round, while others are drawn against clubs with deeper pockets and better infrastructure.

Girona’s 2022 success came down to a combination of resilience and a bit of luck—defeating Tenerife in a two-legged final after two previous failures. But for most clubs, the odds are stacked against them.

Lessons for Clubs Fighting Their Way Back

If there’s one takeaway from Girona’s experience and this season’s relegation battles, it’s this: patience and preparation are key. Clubs that succeed in returning to Primera División do so by:

• Building for the Long Term: Girona’s 2022 squad was a mix of experienced veterans and young talent—players who understood the stakes. Short-term fixes (like signing expensive flops) rarely work.
• Managing Expectations: Fans and media often demand immediate results, but the play-offs are a marathon, not a sprint. Girona’s coaching staff kept the focus on process over outcomes.
• Learning from Failure: After losing to Elche and Rayo Vallecano, Girona analyzed their mistakes and adjusted. The 2022 campaign saw a more disciplined approach, particularly in defense.
• Leveraging Home Advantage:

  Playing at home in the play-offs can be decisive. Girona’s Montilivi Stadium, for example, is known for its passionate fans—something smaller clubs use to their advantage.