Real Madrid’s chances of reclaiming the La Liga title suffered a blow on Tuesday night after suffering a 4-2 defeat to Girona.
Argentinian striker, Valentin Castellanos, scored all four goals in the 12th, 24th, 46th, and 62nd minutes to give the home team a resounding victory.
Los Blancos got their consolation goals through Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez in the 34th and 85th minutes, respectively.
The result saw Real Madrid remain stuck in second position, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona who top with 76 points, while Girona moved from 11th position to 9th with 41 points in 31 games.
Reacting after the match, Real Madrid manager Carlos Ancelotti said the team lost because they lacked strength and gave enough space to the opponents.
“We lacked strength and commitment without the ball and we left transitions,” Ancelotti said. “The weight of the game was good with the ball, but without it we left too much space and they scored two goals in their first two attacks.”
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The Los Blanco manager has since urged the team to bounce back stronger.
“The 3-1 inside the first minute of the second half has cut our legs; We are very hurt obviously, but now we have to get up soon because we have everything at stake still. We will get up,” concluded Ancelotti.
Real Madrid will now shift attention to their next game against Almeria on Saturday in La Liga as the title race heats up.