Real Madrid win 36th La Liga title after Barcelona lose to Girona
Real Madrid have been officially crowned champions of the 2023/24 La Liga season following Barcelona’s stunning defeat to Girona, marking Real’s 36th La Liga title triumph.
Girona produced a remarkable second-half performance to secure a victory over Barcelona, earning them a historic qualification for the Champions League for the first time in their club’s history.
Barcelona appeared to be in control of the match until the introduction of Portu from the bench, who completely shifted the momentum of the game. Portu made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch and followed it up with a spectacular volley reminiscent of Marco van Basten’s iconic goal.
Despite an early lead from Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen in the third minute, Girona quickly responded with a strike from Artem Dovbyk before Robert Lewandowski reclaimed Barcelona’s lead from the spot.
However, Portu’s heroics turned the tide in Girona’s favor, as he equalised in the 65th minute and assisted Miguel Gutierrez to take the lead a couple of minutes later.
Portu’s exceptional performance culminated in a brace and an assist, securing Girona’s victory and dashing Barcelona’s hopes of defending their title as he cemented the victory 74th minute.
Real Madrid’s title triumph was confirmed with Barcelona’s defeat, as they sit comfortably atop the La Liga standings with a 13-point lead over Girona, who have now leapfrogged Barcelona into second place.
Girona’s achievement marks the third time in the last 16 seasons that a team has completed the La Liga double over Barcelona in a season, joining Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
With the domestic title secured, Real Madrid now shifts their focus to the Champions League, where they are set to face Bayern Munich in the semi-final second leg after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
