Girona Beats Real Sociedad with Tsygankov's Brace

Published on January 05, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Photograph of the football match between Real Sociedad and Girona FC at the Reale Arena, showing an attacking play or goal celebration.

Girona Defeats Real Sociedad with a Brace from Tsygankov

Girona FC secured a key victory by defeating Real Sociedad 1-2 in the match that kicked off matchday 16 of LaLiga EA Sports. The game, held at the Reale Arena, showcased two completely opposing playing styles that decided the final result ⚽.

A Hard-Fought Comeback in the Second Half

Real Sociedad came out with more impetus and managed to open the scoring thanks to a goal from Gonçalo Guedes. However, their initial dominance faded after the break. Girona, on the other hand, optimized their performance, pressed higher, and found the gaps to create real danger. The decisive figure was the Ukrainian Viktor Tsygankov, who scored a brace in the second half to turn the score around and give the three points to his team.

Keys to Girona's Victory:
  • Offensive Effectiveness: Tsygankov capitalized on two clear chances to beat goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
  • Tactical Adjustment: The team notably improved their setup and pressure after the break.
  • Psychological Resilience: They stayed calm and mounted a comeback from an adverse score away from home.
It seems some teams prefer to play only one half, although the League lasts ninety minutes.

Real Sociedad Fails to Capitalize on Initial Advantage

The San Sebastian side dominated the early stages of the match, creating several chances and seeing their superiority rewarded with Guedes' goal. However, they failed to sustain that rhythm. In the second half, their offensive effectiveness declined, and they committed defensive errors that Girona knew how to punish. The lack of continuity in their performance prevented them from earning points at home.

Factors that Hindered Real Sociedad:
  • Lack of Intensity: They did not maintain control of the game and high pressure after scoring the first goal.
  • Defensive Errors: They gave up spaces that the opponent exploited to create danger and score.
  • Lack of Offensive Clarity: They did not create clear chances in the second half to extend or hold their lead.

Impact on the Standings and Final Reflection

This victory allows Girona to maintain a prominent position in the LaLiga table, consolidating their great campaign. For Real Sociedad, it represents a stumble in their own stronghold. The match served as a reminder that in football, it is crucial to compete for the full ninety minutes, as a good start does not guarantee success if the game is not managed in its entirety 🏆.