REAL MADRID were stuffed 4-2 by newly promoted Girona thanks to FOUR goals from striker Taty Castellanos.
The 24-year-old, on loan from MLS side New York City FC, became the first player to score four goals against Real Madrid in La Liga since 1947.
And he did it all despite only touching the ball 15 times in the game.
Castellanos got Girona off to the perfect start, putting his side 1-0 up with a free header into the bottom corner on 12 minutes.
He doubled his tally for the night 12 minutes later, holding off Eder Militao to latch on to a ball over the top and finish through the legs of backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Real Madrid hit back through Vinicius Jr, but Castellanos swept home Yan Couto’s cross for his hat-trick within a minute of the second-half restart.
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And he wasn’t done yet.
The Argentine striker made it four on 62 minutes with another free header past a helpless Lunin.
Castellanos was then subbed off on 71 minutes, having scored as many goals in the game as passes attempted.
Lucas Vasquez netted a late consolation for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but the night belonged to Castellanos.
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The result put Girona up to ninth in the La Liga table.
Real Madrid meanwhile now trail league leaders Barcelona by 11 points, having played a game more than their Catalan rivals.
The result virtually kills any hopes of Los Blancos, who were without Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois, being able to win the title.
Castellanos had scored just seven goals in La Liga this season before Tuesday’s game, but fired his tally for the campaign into double digits with his four strikes on the night.
His parent club are owned by City Football Group, who also own a stake in Girona as well as Manchester City.
So watch out Erling Haaland, because Pep Guardiola may have taken notice of Castellanos’ incredible performance against the Champions League holders.
Incidentally, City are set to take on Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition next month.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
