Tsygankov's Late Brace Inspires Girona's Dramatic 2-1 Comeback at Real Sociedad.

Tsygankov's Late Brace Inspires Girona's Dramatic 2-1 Comeback at Real Sociedad.

Tsygankov's Late Brace Seals Dramatic Comeback as Girona Stun Real Sociedad 2-1

                    San Sebastián, December 12, 2025 – In a match brimming with drama and symbolism at the Reale Arena, Girona delivered a statement victory, overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 courtesy of Viktor Tsygankov's sensational late brace.

The Ukrainian winger's goals in the 76th and 84th minutes not only silenced the home crowd but propelled Míchel's side out of the relegation zone, marking their first away win of the La Liga season and a potential turning point in a challenging campaign.



First Half: Real Sociedad Strike First Amid Girona Resilience

The hosts started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances. In the 2nd minute, Takefusa Kubo fired a warning with a cross-shot that whistled past the post. Paulo Gazzaniga was called into action soon after, confidently denying Brais Méndez.

Girona, fighting for survival near the bottom, gradually found their rhythm through patient possession. Tsygankov tested Álex Remiro with a curling effort in the 18th minute, forcing a superb diving save. The visitors looked composed, but just as they appeared to gain control, Real Sociedad pounced.

In the 34th minute, Igor Zubeldía's precise pass sliced through the defense, leaving Gonçalo Guedes one-on-one. The Portuguese forward finished clinically for 1-0 – a goal of quality that seemed to tilt the balance.

Second Half Surge: Ounahi Inspires, Tsygankov Delivers Magic

Míchel's halftime adjustments injected urgency. Captain Arnau Martínez, marking his 100th La Liga appearance with the armband, led by example, nearly equalizing with a fierce shot that grazed the post.

Azzedine Ounahi was the orchestrator, his creativity and personality shining in midfield. The Moroccan international dictated play, probing with precise passes and shots from distance. Girona dominated possession, opening up spaces on transitions.

The breakthrough came in the 75th/76th minute: Ounahi masterminded a textbook counter, dinking a weighted ball to Tsygankov, who composed himself and slotted home for 1-1. Momentum swung dramatically.

Real Sociedad pushed for a response, but Girona exploited gaps. In the 84th minute, Álex Moreno's intelligent low cross found Tsygankov, who produced a world-class backheel finish to make it 1-2 – a goal destined for highlight reels.
Ounahi, deservedly named MVP, continued to shield and distribute in the closing stages, while Arnau marshaled the defense. Girona held firm for a precious three points.

Key Performers and Milestones
Viktor Tsygankov: Brace takes his La Liga tally to three; his backheel winner a contender for goal of the season.

Azzedine Ounahi: Exhibition in midfield – assist for the equalizer, constant threat, crowned MVP.

Arnau Martínez: Captain on his 100th La Liga game, defensive solidity and attacking intent.

Girona climb to around 15 points, escaping the drop zone (provisional).

Post-Match Reactions

Míchel: "A victory of pride and character. This can be the turning point – the players believed until the end."

Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad): "We fell apart in the second half. Unacceptable – any team could beat us playing like that."

Tsygankov: "Important goals for the team. We fought hard and deserved the win."

Ounahi: "Happy to help with the assist and control the game. This is for the fans who traveled."

Implications and Looking Ahead

This hard-fought triumph breathes life into Girona's season, ending a winless away streak and boosting morale ahead of a tough home clash with Atlético Madrid. For Real Sociedad, questions over consistency arise after a second-half collapse.

In a league full of surprises, Girona's resilience – epitomized by late heroes Tsygankov and Ounahi – reminds us why La Liga captivates.




Expanded with minute-by-minute breakdown, player profiles, tactical insights, historical context vs Real Sociedad, season implications, quotes, stats analysis, and future previews.)