Girona earned a stunning 4-3 home victory against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, keeping them equal on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Alvaro Morata scored a hat-trick as Atletico fought back from 3-1 down to draw level, but Martin demonstrated wonderful close control before firing into the top corner to claim the three points and maintain Girona’s remarkable start to the season.
Girona jumped to 48 points, behind Real on goal differential, after Real defeated Mallorca 1-0 earlier on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid remain third with 38 points.
Girona took the lead two minutes in with Valery Fernandez curling in a fantastic shot from the edge of the box, but Atletico levelled in the 14th minute through Morata.
Girona’s high pressure paid off as they snatched the ball from Atletico’s Koke before Savio netted on the second attempt in the 26th minute to make it 2-1.
Dutch defender Daley Blind increased the hosts’ advantage with a tap-in in the 39th minute before Morata equalized for Atletico with a brilliant solo run in the last minute of the first half.
Morata equalized again in the 53rd minute, firing home inside the box, but Martin won the game for Girona with a superb goal.
“It’s a historic night for us, for the city, for the province,” Girona coach Michel told Movistar.
“I was lucky to score the goal. It’s no coincidence, we’ve been doing a great job since we were in the second tier,” said Martin. “I’m happy to play the way I’m playing. European football is there for us, but we have to keep going.”