Girona vs Espanyol: Can the Bottom‑Club Upset a Top‑Four Side in the Catalan Derby?

Current Form and Stakes

September 26, 2025 brings La Liga’s seventh round to the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, where Girona will host Espanyol. The contrast between the two squads could not be sharper. Girona’s coach Miguel Ángel Sánchez has seen his side limp through six matches with just two points, leaving them firmly planted at the foot of the table. Key attackers Viktor Tsygankov and David López are sidelined with long‑term injuries, and the depleted lineup has struggled to keep clean sheets.

On the other side of the pitch, Manolo González’s Espanyol revels in a fourth‑place standing, boasting eleven points from the same number of games. Forward Pere Milla has already found the net three times, making him the club’s leading scorer and a focal point of their attacking plan. A victory in Girona would not only cement Espanyol’s early‑season momentum but also widen the gap to their direct rivals for the coveted Champions League spots.

• Girona: 0W‑2D‑4L, 2 points, 20th place.
• Espanyol: 3W‑2D‑1L, 11 points, 4th place.
• Injuries hurting Girona: Viktor Tsygankov (midfield), David López (forward), plus several defensive backups.
• Key player for Espanyol: Pere Milla – 3 goals.

For Girona, three points could be the lifeline needed to start climbing out of the relegation zone. For Espanyol, dropping points in a derby could see their fourth‑place ambition wobble as other contenders tighten the race.

Head‑to‑Head History and What to Expect

When it comes to recent meetings, Girona enjoys a slight edge. In eight La Liga clashes, they have won four, drawn two and lost two. The last time Espanyol tasted victory over their Catalan neighbors was back in the 2018/19 season, a 2‑1 win that now feels like a distant memory. Psychologically, those past results give the home side a confidence boost, even if the current league table tells a different story.

Historically, Girona averages about 1.75 goals per encounter against Espanyol’s 1.25, indicating a more aggressive approach when the teams meet. Yet this season, Girona’s defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game. Espanyol, meanwhile, has kept a tighter defensive record, allowing just 0.8 goals per match.

Bookmakers are hesitant to declare an outright favorite, reflecting the unpredictable nature of derby fixtures. While Espanyol’s superior form points to a likely win, the home crowd’s energy and Girona’s desperation could spark an upset. If Girona can tighten at the back and capitalize on set‑pieces, they have a realistic shot at snatching a vital draw or even a surprise victory.

Overall, the match promises high stakes for both clubs. Espanyol will aim to extend their unbeaten run and protect a top‑four trajectory, whereas Girona must rally the crowd, overcome injuries, and grab three points to keep their survival hopes alive.