Vladyslav Vanat converted two penalties as Girona secured a 2–0 victory over RCD Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, extending Espanyol’s LaLiga winless streak to three matches (D1, L2) and marking Girona’s first run of three consecutive wins since November 2024.

The ‘other’ Catalan derby got off to an electric start, with early chances for both sides. Vanat came closest for Girona in the opening minutes, while Espanyol’s Tyrhys Dolan impressed with flashes of skill. Carlos Romero’s confident attacking play nearly gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half.

Shortly after, Thomas Lemar tested Marko Dmitrovic with the game’s first shot on target following a burst forward and cross from Bryan Gil. Espanyol then orchestrated a fine team move, setting up Edu Exposito, who was denied as he prepared to shoot.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Hugo Rincon was brought down by Omar El Hilali in the box. Dmitrovic produced a remarkable double save, first stopping Vanat’s penalty and then denying Rincon’s follow-up, prompting a huge roar from the stands. However, VAR flagged goalkeeper encroachment, giving Vanat a second chance from the spot, which he calmly converted to give Girona a 1–0 lead at the break.

The second half maintained a high tempo, with both sides committing to attack. Dmitrovic kept alert to Bryan Gil’s fierce left-foot strike, while Espanyol substitute Jofre Carreras went close twice within minutes of coming on.

Espanyol continued to push forward but left spaces at the back. Àlex Moreno almost punished them with a long-range effort, and Leandro Cabrera missed a golden opportunity, heading over from close range. Despite repeated efforts, the hosts could not breach Paulo Gazzaniga’s goal.

Girona sealed the victory in stoppage time when Yaser Asprilla was fouled in the box by Ruben Sanchez, allowing Vanat to score his second penalty of the night.

The win lifts Girona to ninth place in LaLiga, while Espanyol remain fifth regardless of other weekend results.