As part of the final stage of pre-season preparation, Spanish Girona played a friendly match against Gimnàstic — a team competing in the country's third division. The match took place at the opponent's stadium and ended with a score of 1:1. For the Catalan club, this game served as an important test before the start of the new season in the Segunda División, where the team was relegated in the previous championship.
Game practice for Ukrainian legionnaires
Two Ukrainian footballers from Girona took to the pitch, getting the chance to prove themselves in real competitive conditions. Goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapivtsov started the match and played all 90 minutes in goal without making major mistakes. His performance allowed the team to maintain an advantage for most of the game.
Forward Oleksandr Pyshchur, who was initially scheduled to start from the first minute, was replaced before kickoff by Mauritanian forward Daouda Camara. However, the Ukrainian player appeared on the field after halftime, getting the opportunity to demonstrate his form and interaction with his attacking partners.
Match events: goals and result
Girona opened the scoring in the 8th minute thanks to Abel Ruiz, who capitalized on his moment and put the Catalans ahead. For most of the match, the visitors maintained their advantage, showing good team play and ball control. However, the hosts managed to avoid defeat in the closing stages.
In the 82nd minute, Meshack Babanzila scored against Girona, setting the final score at 1:1. This result allowed both teams to end the match on a positive note, even though Girona failed to secure a victory.
Contradictory data
Particular attention was drawn to the absence of Viktor Tsygankov, who missed his sixth consecutive friendly match for Girona. The club's official press service stated that the player is continuing his recovery from an injury, but did not specify the nature of the injury or the expected return date.
At the same time, media reports emerged about a possible conflict between the Ukrainian and the club regarding his transfer situation. According to some sources, Tsygankov is reportedly ready to boycott Girona matches if the team continues to block his transfer. However, there is currently no official confirmation of this information from either the player or the club.
Outlook and upcoming matches
The Catalans will begin their new campaign on August 16 with a home match against Leganés. It is expected that the situation with Tsygankov will become clearer in the coming days, when the club provides official comments or the player returns to training with the main squad.
For now, fans' attention is focused on other Ukrainian legionnaires who continue to gain playing time and help the team prepare for upcoming official tournaments. Their contribution to Girona's success in the new season could be decisive.
