Hot topics close

Real Madrid secure LaLiga title after Girona thrash Barcelona 4-2

Real Madrid secure LaLiga title after Girona thrash Barcelona 42
Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 36th LaLiga title on Saturday after Girona fought-back to beat Barcelona 4-2, a result that left Carlo Ancelotti's side with an unassailable lead in the standings.

May 4 (Reuters) - Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 36th LaLiga title on Saturday after Girona fought-back to beat Barcelona 4-2, a result that left Carlo Ancelotti's side with an unassailable lead in the standings.

Real Madrid, who have lost only once in the league this season, beat lowly Cadiz earlier on Saturday. They hold a 13-point advantage over second-placed Girona while Barcelona dropped to third with four matches remaining.

Real now can turn their attention to a LaLiga-Champions League double as they get ready to host Bayern Munich in the semi-final return leg on Wednesday after snatching a 2-2 draw in Germany last week.

It was an afternoon of celebration for Girona too as the win secured them a spot in Europe for the first time after they qualified for next season's Champions League.

A brace from substitute Portu helped surprise package Girona to humble their Catalan rivals for the second time this season. Girona had also beaten Barca away in December by the same score.

On Saturday Andreas Christiansen gave Barca the lead in the third minute before Girona hit back a minute later with LaLiga top-scorer Artem Dovbyk heading in the equaliser.

Robert Lewandowski put the visitors back in front from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box just before the break and a wasteful Barca missed several chances to extend their lead early in the second half.

Item 1 of 10 Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Cadiz - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - May 4, 2024 Real Madrid players celebrate with fans after the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

[1/10]Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Cadiz - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - May 4, 2024 Real Madrid players celebrate with fans after the match REUTERS/Juan Medina Purchase Licensing RightsNew Tab, opens new tab
ChevronChevron

However, in the 65th minute, in his first action after coming off the bench, Portu netted the equaliser and Miguel Gutierrez scored from a rebound two minutes later to give Girona the lead. A stunning volley from Portu in the 74th minute secured the win.

"It's incredible to look at your shirt and experience this. There is nothing more beautiful than living this," an emotional Portu told DAZN with tears rolling down his face.

"I had a thorn in my side with this club. A few years ago, I experienced the other side, which was relegation and I felt very responsible because I played a lot. Today I made amends with the fans and I can smile again."

If Barcelona end up finishing outside the top two, it will be a further blow to the club which is facing mounting financial problems related to their massive wage bill, a 1.2 billion euro debt and a 1.6 billion euro Camp Nou stadium renovation project.

The champions and runners-up of the Copa del Rey and LaLiga contest the lucrative Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the winner bagging a potential 6.6 million euros.

With four matches remaining, Barca now rely on Girona slipping up if they are to have any chance of contesting the Super Cup.

"I am sad, disappointed. We have experienced both sides of the coin. Ineffectiveness have killed us once and again," Barca manager Xavi Hernandez, who last week announced he will stay in charge for another season, told a press conference.

"I'm the first to be angry with this situation, I understand the fans. Before being a coach, I was a fan. I understand our people's frustration."

Sign up here.

Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Pritha Sarkar

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.New Tab, opens new tab

Purchase Licensing Rights
Similar shots
  • CULÉ REACCIONA al ALAVÉS 03 FC BARCELONA  LALIGA 2425
  • URGENTE DANI OLMO NO BARCELONA DANI OLMO CANCELA CONVERSAS AVANÇADAS COM BAYERN PELO BARCELONA
News Archive
  • Belize
    Belize
    The Reporter Newspaper – Belize and Panama sign agreement
    7 Apr 2018
    1
  • David Klemmer
    David Klemmer
    Knights prop David Klemmer stood down following alleged verbal abuse of on-field trainer
    3 Aug 2022
    1
  • Big Jack Hungry Jack's
    Big Jack Hungry Jack's
    Hungry? Try the new Big Jack from Hungry Jacks – I just can’t imagine what they are targeting with this?
    27 Jul 2020
    1
  • Mila Kunis
    Mila Kunis
    Mila Kunis and Sharad Devarajan Launch Web3-Based Fantasy Universe and Media Company
    10 Jun 2022
    4
  • Chelsea
    Chelsea
    Chelsea 1-1 Nottm Forest (7 Oct, 2024) Game Analysis ESPN (AU)
    2 days ago
    246