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<\/p>\nIn February 2022, like many Ukrainians, Artem Dovbyk's life was flipped upside down.<\/p>\n
Russian tanks and soldiers had crossed Ukraine's eastern border, and the two countries were now at war. Ukraine's football season being suspended was of little concern to the population as bombs reigned down on Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv.<\/p>\n
Dovbyk had returned to his homeland in 2020, signing for Dnipro-1 – the unofficial phoenix club for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, who reached the Europa League in 2015. However, he now faced a future without football, as Dnipro came under siege from the Russians.<\/p>\n
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It would be months before he kicked a football again, this time, however, it would be for Dynamo Kyiv – who were embarking on a peace tour across Europe. When football returned in Ukraine – amidst the backdrop of air raid sirens – Dovbyk hit a golden vein of form.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old netted 24 goals last season, earning him the move to La Liga and Girona.<\/p>\n
Do you think Girona can pull off the ultimate upset and win La Liga? Let us know in the comments section<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
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Girona, with Dovbyk leading the line, have been the surprise of the season so far – topping La Liga. The small city from Catalonia upset the apple cart again over the weekend, beating regional rivals Barcelona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.<\/p>\n
Dovbyk netted the opener for Girona – his eighth of the season. "Girona, right now, we're on cloud nine! Obviously, we're exceeding expectations, and we're in the lead," explained Girona coach Michel.<\/p>\n
He added: "I see the team as taking this naturally, assuming that everything that has happened is deserved and we have the maturity for the dynamic that we are achieving together."<\/p>\n
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Girona, who are owned by the City Football Group, were playing second-tier football as recently as 21\/22. However, they've played with no fear this season – and currently find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the table, two points clear of Real Madrid.<\/p>\n
And Girona have done this with a rag-tag motley crew of misfit toys from other teams: Paulo Gazzaniga, who once played for Southampton, ex-Man City starlet Aleix Garcia, and former Middlesbrough striker Cristhian Stuani are all in their ranks. <\/p>\n
There's still a long way to go until May, but Dovbyk's goals have Girona dreaming of a title parade.<\/p>\n
Watch LALIGA on <\/i><\/b>Viaplay<\/i><\/b>, available in the UK on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime Video and via streaming.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n