The victory, the third consecutive away win, allows Girona to climb to ninth position with 24 points, consolidating their good run. The visitors maintain their historical superiority at the blue-and-white stadium, where they have four wins and two draws in six visits. Espanyol, meanwhile, remains fifth with 34 points and has not won yet in 2026.
The first half saw Girona dominate possession but create few clear chances, as Manolo González's Espanyol closed down spaces effectively. The clearest chance fell to Lemar, saved by Dmitrovic (35’). Controversy erupted in added time (45’) when the referee awarded a soft penalty on Hugo Rincón. After Dmitrovic saved Vanat's first attempt, the penalty had to be retaken because the goalkeeper advanced, and Vanat scored the 0-1 (45+3’).
The match was marked by referee controversy, as both penalties awarded to Girona were considered rigorous by most sports analysts.
In the second half, Espanyol was forced to take the initiative and generated several clear opportunities, especially through Jofre and Cabrera, but the Girona defense, led by Blind and the saves of Gazzaniga, withstood the onslaught. Girona was often too hasty on their counterattacks, despite having more space.
The final sentence arrived in second-half added time (93’). During a counterattack, Asprilla forced another dubious penalty from Rubén Sánchez. Vanat, without error this time, converted the definitive 0-2. The end of the match was delayed due to objects being thrown at Gazzaniga, who celebrated the goal by addressing the home fans.
