On 16 January 2026, Girona clinched a 2‑0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, with Vladyslav Vanat scoring both penalties. The win lifted Girona to 10th place, narrowing the gap to European spots, while Espanyol slipped to 7th. Vanat’s brace earned him Man of the Match and sparked a shift in the Catalan derby hierarchy.
Match Overview and Key Moments
Girona opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Vanat converted a penalty after being fouled on the edge of the box. The Ukrainian‑born striker kept his composure and placed a low left‑footed finish beneath the crossbar. The second half saw another penalty awarded in the 57th minute; Vanat again stepped up, curling the ball to the right side of the keeper for a 2‑0 lead.
Espanyol responded with several chances, notably a saved strike from Álex Collado and a free‑kick by Mikel Merino that forced a corner, but Girona’s defense held firm.
Tactical Breakdown
Girona’s high‑pressing system disrupted Espanyol’s build‑up, forcing errors in the final third. The quick transition from press to attack created space for wingers to cut inside, delivering decisive balls to Vanat. Espanyol’s reliance on patient possession left them vulnerable to the press, resulting in the two penalty situations.
- Press intensity: Girona maintained a forward press for 68% of the match.
- Defensive shape: A compact back four limited Espanyol’s crossing opportunities.
- Midfield balance: Girona’s midfield prioritized quick distribution over possession.
League Table Implications
The win propelled Girona to 10th place with 30 points, just five points away from the Europa League zone. Their defensive record improves to 22 goals conceded in 19 matches, highlighting a potential push into the top six.
Espanyol dropped to 7th place with 32 points, three points behind Girona. The defeat marks their third loss in six league games, raising concerns about consistency against high‑pressing opponents.
Player Spotlight: Vladyslav Vanat
Vanat’s brace was the decisive factor in the derby. The 24‑year‑old forward now has four LaLiga goals, all crucial. His penalty composure and clinical finishing underline his evolution into a reliable match‑winner for Girona. Post‑match, Vanat praised his teammates and the coach’s confidence, emphasizing the collective effort behind his success.
Future Fixtures and Outlook
Girona’s next challenge is an away match against Real Betis, a top‑five side. Maintaining their pressing intensity could keep them in the European conversation.
Espanyol will host Rayo Vallecano looking to rebound and secure a Europa League spot. Addressing defensive lapses and adapting to high‑press strategies will be essential for their revival.
