GIRONA, Spain (Interstat) — In a tense and chaotic La Liga season opener that defied statistical projections, Girona edged Osasuna 1-0 on Saturday at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.

The match, played on Jan. 10, 2026, was decided by a first-half goal from Ukrainian forward Vladyslav Vanat, but will be remembered for a frenetic close that saw eight yellow cards and a red card issued in the final 25 minutes, including seven cautions in second-half stoppage time alone.

The result handed Girona a winning start to their domestic campaign, moving their league record to one win and no losses. Osasuna begins the season with one loss and no wins. Both clubs’ records across all competitions mirror their opening-day league results.

The contest sharply contrasted with pregame forecasts. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 victory for the home side, while its ELO rating system gave visiting Osasuna a 67.4 percent probability to win. Instead, a disciplined Girona defense and a single moment of quality proved decisive.

The breakthrough came in the 44th minute, just before halftime. Vanat, Girona’s forward, found the net to give his side the lead. The goal was assisted by midfielder Joel Roca, one of seven different players credited with an assist on the evening in a unique statistical outcome for the lone score.

Osasuna, unable to translate its favored status into clear chances, grew increasingly frustrated as the second half progressed. The physicality escalated, leading to a flurry of disciplinary actions from the officiating crew.

Osasuna’s Jon Moncayola received the game’s first yellow card in the 46th minute, just after the restart. Girona’s Javier Galán was booked in the 70th minute. The caution for goal-scorer Vanat followed in the 85th minute, setting the stage for a remarkable finish.

The match erupted in stoppage time. Girona’s Lancinet Kourouma was shown a straight red card in the 90+5 minute, forcing the hosts to see out the victory with 10 men. This sparked a series of incidents, resulting in six yellow cards between the 90+3 and 90+8 minutes. Osasuna’s Aimar Oroz, Aitor Fernández, Sergio Herrera and Kike Barja were all booked, as was Girona’s Joel Roca. Herrera and Barja were among the substitutes listed with an assist for Osasuna, a notation reflecting the complex assist chain on Vanat’s goal.

Despite the numerical advantage for the final moments, Osasuna could not find an equalizer. Girona’s organized defensive unit, which had limited the visitors to few opportunities throughout, held firm through the extended and tumultuous stoppage period to secure all three points.

The victory provides a positive start for Girona under the pressure of home expectation, while Osasuna will rue a performance that lacked cutting edge and composure, finishing with nothing to show for its statistical favoritism and late man-advantage.