Girona secured their debut in next season’s Champions League and handed Real Madrid the La Liga title by coming from behind to defeat Barcelona in a thrilling Catalan derby.
Andreas Christensen gave Barcelona an early lead with a spectacular goal within the first three minutes, only for Artem Dovbyk to respond 68 seconds later with his 20th La Liga goal of the season, moving him two ahead of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in the Pichichi Trophy race.
Barcelona nearly regained the lead when Christensen’s header was dramatically saved on the line by Paulo Gazzaniga, and Ilkay Gundogan’s effort struck the crossbar. The persistence paid off just before the half-time whistle when Robert Lewandowski calmly converted a penalty following a foul on Yamal.
Girona, without a shot in the first 20 minutes of the second half and under constant pressure from Barcelona, staged a remarkable turnaround with three quick goals. Dovbyk capitalized on a defensive error in the 65th minute, setting up Portu, who scored from close range with his first touch. Two minutes later, Girona took the lead as Miguel Gutierrez, a former Real Madrid player, saw his shot deflect into the net.
In the 75th minute, Portu extended Girona’s lead with a stunning volley from a crossfield pass that flew past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona’s defeat, coupled with Real Madrid’s earlier 3-0 victory over Cadiz, confirmed Real Madrid as La Liga champions for the 36th time.
In only their fourth season in Spain’s top flight, Michel’s Girona has shattered expectations by securing a historic place in the Champions League.