Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat delivered two perfectly timed penalties—both in the 47th minute of each half—to give Girona a 2‑0 victory over Espanyol on LaLiga matchday 20. The win marks Girona’s third consecutive triumph, lifts the team to 41 points, and extends Espanyol’s winless streak to three games.
Match Overview
Vanat’s Perfectly Timed Double
Girona dominated early exchanges and earned a penalty at the 47th minute of the first half. Vanat calmly placed the ball in the top‑right corner, opening the scoring. In the second half, another foul in the box produced a second penalty, again at the 47th minute, which Vanat converted to the bottom‑left corner, sealing a 2‑0 win.
Background and Recent Form
Girona’s Rising Momentum
Since joining Girona last summer, Vanat has become the team’s primary penalty taker, scoring three of his eight league goals from the spot. The Catalan side entered the match on a two‑game winning streak and used the victory to achieve its first three‑match run since November 2024, moving comfortably away from the relegation zone.
Espanyol’s Struggles
Espanyol arrived after two defeats and extended their winless run to three matches (one draw, two losses). Defensive lapses and an inability to capitalize on chances have left the club searching for tactical adjustments ahead of their next fixture.
Implications for the LaLiga Table
- Girona climbs to 41 points, sitting seven points clear of the last‑place team.
- The win boosts confidence for manager Míchel Sánchez, who can now target a higher‑table finish or a European‑qualifying spot.
- Espanyol must address defensive issues and penalty vulnerability to halt their slide.
Vanat: A Penalty Specialist
At 24, Vanat arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk with a reputation for composure under pressure. Since his debut in Spain, he has netted eight league goals, three from penalties, showcasing a blend of precision, power, and keen reading of the goalkeeper’s positioning. His performance against Espanyol not only adds three points for Girona but also establishes him as a psychological threat in future set‑piece situations.
Conclusion
The 2‑0 triumph, highlighted by two penalties scored in identical 47th‑minute moments, underscores Girona’s growing consistency and the strategic value of a reliable penalty taker. While Girona looks to build on this momentum, Espanyol faces a crucial period to reverse their form and safeguard their LaLiga status.
