Portu-inspired Girona humiliate Barcelona again to hand Real Madrid 36th LALIGA title

Girona hand Real Madrid LALIGA title.

Portu-inspired Girona humiliate Barcelona again to hand Real Madrid 36th LALIGA title

Izuchukwu Akawor 19:17 - 04.05.2024

It was not quite the revenge for Barcelona as Girona put four goals past them in LALIGA to wrap up the title for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have been crowned LaLiga champions for a remarkable 36th time after bitter rivals Barcelona capitulated in extraordinary fashion to lose 4-2 at Girona on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had earlier done their job by thrashing Cadiz 3-0 to move within touching distance of the title.

But few could have predicted the dramatic events that would unfold at the Estadi Montilivi to hand Real the championship with four games to spare.

Barcelona Blow Lead

For 64 minutes in Girona, it looked like Xavi's Barcelona would stall Real's title party for at least another week after racing into a 2-1 lead.

However, super-sub Cristian Portu had other ideas, sparking an incredible 10-minute spell that saw the home side score three times to turn the game on its head.

Robert Lewandowski converted from 12 yards to put Barcelona ahead.
Robert Lewandowski converted from 12 yards to put Barcelona ahead.

Portu Inspires Girona Turnaround

First, the former Real Sociedad man equalised with a superb left-footed volley on 66 minutes before teeing up Miguel Gutierrez to make it 3-2 just two minutes later.

The 31-year-old then capped a stunning individual performance by restoring Girona's two-goal cushion himself in the 74th minute with the goal of the game, leaving Barcelona shell-shocked.

Girona's hero Cristian Porto wheels off after his man of the match display.
Girona's hero Cristian Porto wheels off after his man of the match display. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Title Number 36 for Madrid

The 4-2 scoreline meant Real's 3-0 victory earlier in the day was enough to wrap up a 36th LaLiga crown and spark wild celebrations at the Bernabeu.

It marks Ancelotti's second league title in as many seasons since returning for a second spell at the club while cementing Real's status as the most successful ever in Spanish football history.

Brahim Diaz set uo Bellingham for the second goal.

For Barcelona, their late season collapse at a newly promoted side will only add to the inquest around Xavi's second full season in charge after a turbulent campaign.

As for Girona, Portu's heroics have not only sealed a remarkable league double over the Catalans, but also secured the minnows a fairytale Champions League spot for next season.

Don Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in football |Photo Credit: Imago

But this night ultimately belonged to Real Madrid as they were finally able to celebrate being crowned kings of Spanish football once again.

Related content