An electric opening in the ‘other’ Catalan derby saw early half-chances from either side, with Vanat coming closest for Girona a few minutes in.
There was plenty of physical intent from both sides, and a smattering of class from Espanyol’s Tyrhys Dolan in particular, with Carlos Romero’s confident attacking almost bringing the opener for the hosts midway through the half.
Shortly after, Thomas Lemar tested Marko Dmitrovic with a first shot on target in the game after Bryan Gil’s burst forward and cross.
Then, a fine team move from Espanyol saw Edu Exposito played in, though he was thwarted as he was about to pull the trigger.
Right on half-time, Hugo Rincon was pulled back by Omar El Hilali in the box, and Dmitrovic’s astonishing double save was greeted by a huge roar from the stands as he denied Vanat from the spot and Rincon’s follow-up.
However, the celebrations were cut short when VAR noticed encroachment from the goalkeeper, and Vanat made no mistake with his second attempt from 12 yards, handing the visitors a half-time lead.
A high tempo continued after the break, as both teams decided that all-out attack was the way to go. Dmitrovic had to be alert to Gil’s wicked left-foot drive, whilst Espanyol substitute, Jofre Carreras, twice went close within minutes of coming on just before the hour mark.
Los Periquitos continued to pour forward, though it left them wide open at the back, and Àlex Moreno almost made them pay thanks to a long-range effort with 20 minutes left.
Somehow, an unmarked Leandro Cabrera sent his header over inside the six-yard box, but try as they might, the hosts couldn’t find a way to beat Paulo Gazzaniga.
And in stoppage time, Girona countered through Yaser Asprilla, who was upended in the box by Ruben Sanchez, allowing Vanat to bag his second from the spot.
That goal sealed the result, which sees Girona jump up to ninth, whilst Espanyol will remain fifth regardless of what happens elsewhere across the weekend.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vladyslav Vanat (Girona)
