Girona's Castellanos Shatters Records with Incredible Quadruple Against Madrid - A Match for the History Books!

Girona's Castellanos Makes La Liga History with a Quadruple Against Madrid On Tuesday, Girona striker Taty Castellanos had the performance of a lifetime, becoming the first player to score four goals in one game against Real Madrid in La Liga since 1947. The forward's lethal display of finishing stunned the champions and virtually extinguished any remaining hopes they had of defending their title against rivals Barcelona. Castellanos, on loan from MLS club New York City FC, hit two goals in both halves to secure Girona an impressive victory over Carlo Ancelotti's side. The forward gave Madrid defender Eder Militao nightmares with his movement, pouncing again after just 36 seconds in the second half to complete his hat-trick, and easily escaping Militao to nod in the fourth from close range. Castellanos departed to a standing ovation when he was replaced in the 72nd minute. "It was a dream night, we had a great game against one of the best teams in the world, it was a dream night," Castellanos said. "I never imagined this, (I'm) enjoying it with our fans, with the people who have sent me support -- my family, people in Argentina, they are always supporting me and that's fundamental." Girona coach Michel was also pleased with Castellanos' performance against Madrid, saying, "Taty was very good apart from the goals when it came to his work. I'm happy for him because after his game against Barca, and his miss, he shut his social media down. I told him to be calm, that it was his first season in Europe." Castellanos' miss when through on goal during Girona's 0-0 draw at Camp Nou earlier in April made headlines in Spain and caused the forward to cry in the dressing room. He subsequently shut down his social media accounts amid criticism from some fans online. However, Castellanos' accomplishment against Madrid has put him in the spotlight once again. The Argentine striker won the MLS Golden Boot in 2021 with 19 goals in 32 matches, but has not been capped by his country. A year ago, Castellanos hit four goals for New York City against Real Salt Lake, but said his achievement against Madrid was on a different level. "Obviously they are different days, it was a dream to score against Madrid and to score four -- you can't even imagine it," he said. "I'm very happy for everything, for the fans, for the lads." Castellanos now has 11 goals in La Liga this season in 29 appearances. Both Girona and New York City are sister clubs of Manchester City, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals in May. The last player to hit four against Madrid in La Liga was Real Oviedo's Esteban Echavarria, in 1947 -- although current Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski managed the feat in the Champions League in 2013 with Borussia Dortmund. Castellanos' incredible performance has not only made him a hero in Girona but has also captured the attention of football fans worldwide. His stunning display of finishing against one of the best teams in the world is a testament to his skills and determination as a player. Castellanos' performance will undoubtedly go down in La Liga history as one of the most memorable moments in recent times.