Viktor Tsyhankov made his long-awaited return for Girona after two months out, coming off the bench in the second half of their La Liga clash against Barcelona. But the Ukrainian international couldn’t inspire a comeback as Girona suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Pedri opened the scoring early for Barcelona, but the visitors responded quickly through a header from Axel Witsel. Girona looked set to snatch a valuable point, but their hopes were dashed in stoppage time when Ronald Araújo rose highest to head home the winner for the hosts.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Barcelona - Girona 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Pedri, 13 (1:0); Witsel, 20 (1:1); Araujo R., 90 (2:1)

Barcelona: Szczesny; Balde Al. (Martín G., 76); Cubarsí; Kounde; Garcia E.; de Jong F.; Casado M. (Araujo R., 82); Yamal (Bardagji, 64); Rashford; Fernández T. (Fermin Fermin, 46); Pedri (Christensen A., 64)
Substitution: Fermin Fermin (from 46); Christensen A. (from 64); Bardagji (from 64); Martín G. (from 76); Araujo R. (from 82)
Bench: Kochen; Jofre; Bernal; Fernández Dro
Yellow Cards: Araujo R. 90

Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincón; Martinez Ar. (Kourouma, 79); Vitor Reis; Blind; Moreno Alex; Portu (Tsygankov, 63); Witsel; Roca (Asprilla, 68); Gil B. (Solis Jhon, 63); Vanat (Stuani, 68)
Substitution: Tsygankov (from 63); Solis Jhon (from 63); Asprilla (from 68); Stuani (from 68); Kourouma (from 79)
Bench: Livaković; Krapyvtsov; Ba Papa; Ruiz Ab.
Yellow Cards: Stuani 75; Moreno Alex 84