With seven games remaining, Real Madrid’s title hopes are in tatters, as they lie on 65 points, 11 behind Barcelona.
Valentin Castellanos of Girona became the first player in LaLiga history to score four goals against Real Madrid, helping his team to a surprise 4-2 victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side, whose already shaky championship ambitions took another hit on Tuesday.
Real Madrid’s prospects of winning the championship with seven games remaining are in jeopardy as they lie in second position with 65 points, 11 behind Barcelona, who may increase their advantage when they play Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
Vinicius Jr. of Real made it 2-1, and Lucas Vazquez scored a late consolation for Real. Castellanos proved to be a one-man wrecking ball, scoring twice early in either half.
Esteban Echavarria scored five goals for Real Oviedo in December 1947, the last time someone scored four or more goals in a LaLiga match against Real.
This season, Girona has presented a challenge for Real, with the reverse match at the Santiago Bernabeu concluding in a 1-1 draw. Girona is tenth in LaLiga with 41 points.
They outperformed their opponents on Tuesday by taking advantage of a disorganised Real defence.
Twelve minutes into the game, an unmarked Castellanos headed home from close range after a cross from Miguel Gutierrez, shocking the visitors and Real.
Twelve minutes later, Castellanos increased Girona’s advantage by latching onto a long ball, making his way into the area, and firing low beneath Real goalie Andriy Lunin.
In the 34th minute, Real’s Vinicius Jr. cut the lead in half by heading in a cross from Marco Asensio while unmarked at the far post.
However, 36 seconds into the second half, Castellanos scored his third goal, stroking home a right-footed half-volley after Real’s defending left him room in the area.
The 24-year-old Argentine scored his fourth goal of the game and 11th in LaLiga this season in the 62nd minute after finding himself all alone inside the box once more. He was replaced 10 minutes later.
