The forward stunned the champions and all but ended their chances of successfully retaining their title against rival Barcelona with a devastating exhibition of finishing.
Girona defeated Carlo Ancelotti’s team admirably thanks to two goals from Castellanos, who is on loan from MLS team New York City FC.
The sibling teams of Manchester City, which will play Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals in May, are Girona and New York City.
Castellanos scores four as Girona buried Real Madrid
Esteban Echavarria of Real Oviedo was the previous player to score four goals against Madrid in La Liga; however, current Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski accomplished the record with Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League.
Castellanos scored twice, first through the legs of Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and another with a poacher’s header to break the score.
With his mobility, the attacker gave Madrid defender Eder Militao nightmares.
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He quickly eluded Militao to tip in the fourth goal from close range after pouncing again just 36 seconds into the second half to complete his hat-trick.
When Castellanos was replaced in the 72nd minute, he was given a standing ovation as he left the field.
It was a “dream night,” according to Castellanos. “We had a terrific game against one of the top teams in the world.
“I never could have imagined this, (I’m) enjoying it with our fans, with the people who have sent me support — my family, the people in Argentina, they are always supporting me and that’s fundamental.”
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Golden Boot
The Argentine striker, who scored 19 goals in 32 games to win the MLS Golden Boot in 2021, has not received a cap for his nation.
Castellanos scored four goals for New York City against Real Salt Lake a year earlier, but he claimed his performance versus Madrid was superior.
“Obviously they are different days, but to score against Madrid and to score four goals was a dream — you can’t even imagine it,” he remarked.
I’m overjoyed for everyone, including the boys and the fans.
Castellanos has already scored 11 goals in 29 games for La Liga this year.
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During Girona’s 0-0 draw with Camp Nou earlier in April, the attacker made headlines in Spain for missing a goal opportunity while through on goal and sobbing in the locker room.
In the wake of the incident, the forward deleted his social media accounts after online criticism from certain followers.
Coach Michel of Girona expressed his happiness for Castellanos following his outstanding performance against Madrid.
Apart from the goals, Taty was excellent at his job, according to Michel.
“I’m glad for him because he took down his social media following his game against Barca and his miss.
I reassured him that it was his first season in Europe and to remain calm.
Castellanos was beaming from ear to ear as Girona players jubilated on the field following the game, his misfortune against Barcelona long forgotten.
If the Catalans triumph at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, they may increase their lead over Madrid from 11 to 14.
