Four goals from Valentin Castellanos steered Girona to an impressive 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in LaLiga on Tuesday evening.
Madrid were without the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema, but granted an opportunity for goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and Dani Carvajal while Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Rodrygo were also recalled.
Girona had a strong start and were ahead 12 minutes in when Castellanos escaped Kroos in the area to head in a well-weighted cross from Miguel Gutierrez.
Castellanos haunted the title holders again as he grabbed a brace at the midway stage after he beat Eder Militao to a high ball to race clear and slot through the legs of Lunin.
Los Blancos regained momentum following a subdued spell and pulled one back when Vinicius Junior beat the offside trap to head in at the near corner from the far post of the area.
Madrid were on the back-foot again seconds from halftime as an unmarked Castellanos tucked in a low cross from the right-side and completed a fine hat-trick.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a substitution at the back for soon later where Nacho Fernandez made way for France international Eduardo Camavinga.
The alteration did little to change the course of proceedings in the middle of the second half as Castellanos pounced again when he rose high in the area and nodded in his fourth goal.
Madrid enjoyed much of the possession particularly in the midfield areas, but weren't able to penetrate the host and for the most part struggled to get a look in.
Los Blancos did though cut the areas in the last four minutes when Vinicius stormed down the byline and played in Lucas Vazquez to find the net from close-range.
There was no major comeback from the champions in the closing stages, with the hosts claiming a famous victory which dented Real's chances to defend their title.
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