Girona once again proved to be a nightmare opponent for Espanyol, securing a third consecutive league victory and continuing their impressive surge away from danger. The spotlight firmly belonged to Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, whose nerveless penalty double decided the contest at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà.

The first decisive moment arrived on the brink of half-time and was pure drama. Vanat stepped up from the spot, only to see his initial effort saved by the Espanyol goalkeeper. However, celebrations were cut short as the referee ordered a retake due to the keeper moving off his line. Showing ice-cold composure, Vanat made no mistake with his second attempt, giving Girona a crucial lead.

Throughout the match, Viktor Tsygankov was a constant menace on the flank. The Ukrainian winger played 82 minutes, repeatedly stretching the Espanyol defence and coming close to scoring himself after a teasing cross from Bryan Gil. His influence was undeniable, dictating the tempo and creating space for his strike partner.

The numbers tell a remarkable story: the last six goals scored by Girona have all come from the Ukrainian duo of Vanat and Tsygankov. Deep into stoppage time, Vanat calmly converted a second penalty to seal the win.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Espanyol - Girona 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Vanat, 45 (penalty) (0:1); Vanat, 93 (penalty) (0:2)

Espanyol: Dmitrović; Gonzalez U.; Calero F.; Cabrera L.; El Hilali (Sanchez Ru., 56); Edu Expósito (Ramón, 56); Lozano P. (Roca, 81); Dolan (Carreras, 46); Romero; Fernández Rob.; Milla P. (Kike García, 70)
Substitution: Carreras (from 46); Sanchez Ru. (from 56); Ramón (from 56); Kike García (from 70); Roca (from 81)
Bench: Fortuno; Tristán; Salinas; Rubio; Riedel C.; Pickel
Yellow Cards: El Hilali 45; Sanchez Ru. 76; Carreras 81; Roca 82; Romero 89

Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincón; Martinez Ar.; Vitor Reis; Blind; Moreno Alex; Lemar (Asprilla, 73); Tsygankov (Roca, 82); Martín I.; Gil B. (Frances, 73); Vanat
Substitution: Frances (from 73); Asprilla (from 73); Roca (from 82)
Bench: Livaković; Krapyvtsov; López Da.; Arango J.; Ba Papa
Yellow Cards: Martinez Ar. 31; Roca 70; Gazzaniga 76; Moreno Alex 87; Vanat 89