Vanat’s Penalty Secures Girona’s Victory Over Espanyol, Boosting LaLiga Standings
Vladyslav Vanat emerged as the star of the match, scoring two penalties to secure a 2-0 victory for Girona over Espanyol. The match, held at the RCDE Stadium, marked Espanyol’s third consecutive game without a win in LaLiga, having recorded one draw and two losses. In contrast, Girona celebrated their third straight victory, a feat they hadn’t achieved since November 2024.
Match Overview
The encounter showcased a vibrant atmosphere, characterized by early opportunities from both sides. Vanat nearly found the net for Girona shortly after kickoff. Espanyol’s Tyrhys Dolan displayed moments of brilliance, and Carlos Romero’s aggressive play almost led to an opening goal halfway through the first half.
Key Moments
- First Half: Thomas Lemar forced a save from Girona’s goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic with a well-placed shot.
- Critical Save: Dmitrovic executed an impressive double save just before halftime, denying Vanat’s initial penalty attempt.
- Penalty Decision: Following a VAR review that revealed goalkeeper encroachment, Vanat successfully converted his second penalty just before the break.
After halftime, the match maintained its high tempo, with both teams pushing for goals. Dmitrovic was tested again, saving a powerful shot from Bryan Gil. Jofre Carreras, an Espanyol substitute, had two close chances but couldn’t find the net.
Final Stages
As the match progressed, Espanyol’s relentless pursuit of an equalizer left them vulnerable at the back. Àlex Moreno almost capitalized but missed the target. In stoppage time, Girona countered effectively, leading to a foul on Yaser Asprilla in the penalty area. Vanat stepped up once more, sealing the victory with his second successful penalty.
Standings Impact
Following this result, Girona climbed to ninth place in LaLiga standings. Meanwhile, Espanyol remained in fifth place, despite the loss. Vanat’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match title, further solidifying his impact on the game.
With this victory, Girona demonstrates their potential as they look to build on this success in upcoming matches.
