Ancelotti apologises after Castellanos’ night

Girona striker Taty Castellanos, on loan from MLS side New York City FC, won't forget 25 April 2023 in a hurry. Meanwhile, it was a night to forget for Real Madrid and coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had to apologise to the fans for what had transpired in Girona. 

Castellanos, the Argentinian striker, became the first player in 75 years to score four in a LaLiga game against Real Madrid as the Catalan side recorded a famous 4-2 victory over Champions League specialists Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 50 MLS goals, became just the 10th man to score four or more goals against Real Madrid. In fact, he became the first player to score four goals against Real Madrid since Robert Lewandowski netted four times for Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the 2012-13 Champions League semifinals.

Castellanos also became the fifth player to score four home goals against Real Madrid with the others being Vantolra (Barcelona 5 - Real Madrid 0, 1934-35), Martinez (Espanyol 5 - Real Madrid 4, 1930-40), Emilin (Oviedo 4 - Real Madrid 0, 1944-45) and Echevarria (Oviedo 7 - Real Madrid 1, 1947-48).

Ancelotti's Madrid are 11 points behind Barcelona having played one extra match, with this defeat virtually killing any hope they had remaining of defending the title.

"The team were nervous from the off and then we lost control. It looked as though half-time would help us but then we conceded again and it was an uphill battle. The fans are hurting and we apologise. We're hurting too but we know we will be in good shape for the Copa final and the Champions League semis," Ancelotti apologised to fans after the game.

Ancelotti was hampered by striker Karim Benzema taking a knock in the win over Celta Vigo at the weekend, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not travel because of a stomach problem among other absentees.