Tsygankov Orchestrates Shock Comeback: Girona Steals Victory at Reale Arena

Sehenswert Futmetrix-Wertung: 58/100. A six-pointer where balance swung three times in 49 minutes, but it was Girona's clinical finishing in the final quarter that transformed a relegation-form side into champions of the evening.

The Upset No One Predicted

Arriving at Reale Arena with a 35% probability gap against them, Girona were in freefall: 18th place, 12 points from 15 matches, a defence haemorrhaging 29 goals. Real Sociedad, sitting 14th but with clearer momentum, appeared to have the script written. Then minute 35: Gonçalo Guedes opened the scoring with a Zubeldia assist, and the narrative seemed settled. Balance would be restored—or so it seemed.

Tsygankov Takes Centre Stage

The 76th minute changed everything. Viktor Tsygankov equalised with clinical precision, his first of two strikes that would define the evening. Four minutes later—84th minute—he completed his brace with Álex Moreno's assist, sealing a comeback that defied the pre-match odds. Three lead changes in 49 minutes. The turning point was unmistakable: Tsygankov (8.2 rating) executed ruthlessly when it mattered most, whilst Takefusa Kubo (7.7) fought tirelessly for Real Sociedad but couldn't stem the tide.

The Data Beneath the Drama

Girona controlled possession (53%) and unleashed 14 shots, though only three found the target. Real Sociedad, sharper in the box (4 of 8), lacked the finishing touch. An xG of 1.43 for the visitors against 0.88 for the hosts underscored Girona's tactical dominance in the second half. This wasn't a robbery—it was a masterclass in intensity when the stakes were highest.