GIRONA: Valentin Castellanos scored four goals to shock defending champions Real Madrid as they lost 2-4 against Girona on Tuesday in a major setback to their fading LaLiga title hopes.
Castellanos became the first player to hit more than three goals in a LaLiga game against Real Madrid since Esteban Echavarria’s five goals for Real Oviedo in December 1947.
With seven games left, Real title chances slipped further into dismay as they sit second on the table with 65 points, 11 behind leader Barcelona, who can stretch their lead on Wednesday when they play Rayo Vallecano.
Girona moved to ninth place with 41 points.
The hosts took Madrid by surprise with their all-out attack right from the start, scoring the opener just 12 minutes into the match when unmarked Castellanos headed in from close range on a cross from Miguel Gutierrez.
Girona doubled their lead 12 minutes later when the Argentinian grabbed on to a long ball, pushed his way into the box and blasted low underneath Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin.
Real’s Vinicius Junior reduced the home side’s advantage to 2-1 in the 34th minute, heading in Marco Asensio’s cross.
Castellanos, however, regained the two-goal cushion for his side right after the break, netting home a right-footed half-volley after Real’s defence gave him room in the box.
The visitors repeated their mistake and left Castellanos alone inside the box when the 24-year-old headed in his fourth goal of the evening in the 62nd minute.
Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez hit a consolation goal from close range in the 85th minute.
Madrid has had a difficult time facing Girona this season since the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu ended 1-1 in October.
In another LaLiga fixture on Tuesday, Osasuna beat Cadiz 1-0 thanks to Ruben Garcia Santos’ winner in the 62nd minute.
Real Sociedad held Real Betis to a nil-nil draw at the latter’s home after 90 minutes of high-voltage action.
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