Girona FC secured a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, with both goals coming from Vladyslav Vanat’s penalties. The win marks Girona’s third consecutive triumph in the 2025/26 La Liga season, lifts them to ninth place with 19 points, and strengthens their push for European‑qualification spots.
Derby Decided by Penalties
The match remained deadlocked until the final minutes of the first half, when Vanat calmly converted a spot‑kick to give Girona the lead. A second contentious handball in the box saw him step up again in stoppage time, sealing a 2‑0 away win and delivering a dramatic derby finish.
Vladyslav Vanat Leads Scoring
The 24‑year‑old Ukrainian striker has quickly become Girona’s clutch finisher. Scoring both penalties, Vanat demonstrated composure under pressure and highlighted the club’s successful recruitment strategy of blending youthful talent with experienced players.
Míchel’s Tactical Blueprint
Manager Míchel employed a balanced 4‑3‑3 formation that transitions swiftly from defense to attack. By maintaining a disciplined back line and granting Vanat freedom to exploit spaces, Girona stayed compact while threatening on the counter‑attack, a plan praised by the coach after the match.
Impact on La Liga Standings
The victory moves Girona to ninth place, narrowing the gap to the European‑qualification zone. The three points also improve their goal difference, a crucial factor in the tightly contested mid‑table battle.
Upcoming Key Fixtures
- Home vs. Real Sociedad (Matchday 12) – A test against an attacking side on familiar ground.
- Away at Athletic Bilbao (Matchday 13) – A challenging environment that could cement Girona’s road‑team credibility.
- Home vs. Sevilla (Matchday 14) – An opportunity to climb further up the table against a former European heavyweight.
Girona’s Recent Evolution
Since returning to La Liga, Girona has progressed through strategic signings, tactical acumen, and a growing fanbase. The derby win encapsulates this evolution, signalling a team ready to challenge traditional powerhouses and aim for a historic European‑competition berth.
