Girona cap fairy-tale season with historic Champions League berth

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Girona ensured they will play Champions League football next season for the first time with a stunning 4-2 victory over Barcelona on Saturday.

The Catalan side have never played European football before and are in Spain's top division for only the fourth season in their history.

Coach Michel Sanchez hailed his players after the Catalan minnows secured the historic achievement.

"All the praise we give to the Girona players will fall short," Sanchez told reporters. "They have entered Girona's history books."

They came from behind twice on Saturday to defeat Barca for the second time this season in a thrilling derby.

Barcelona took the lead through Andreas Christensen but La Liga's top scorer Artem Dovbyk levelled with his 20th goal of the campaign.

Robert Lewandowski's penalty sent Barcelona ahead but substitute Portu made a huge impact in the second half for Girona.

The winger netted the equaliser and then set up Miguel Gutierrez to put Girona ahead.

Portu sensationally volleyed home the fourth to ignite Girona's tiny Montilivi stadium and get the party started.

Girona played Champions League music over the stadium sound system to give their fans a taste of things to come.

Their coach said bringing silverware to the club, which returned to La Liga in 2022 after three years in the second division, was his next aim.

"Winning a trophy with Girona is the next step, but it's a challenge that is quite difficult," said the coach.

"We will have a chance with the Champions League," he joked. "We will have the Copa del Rey and the league. That's the next step for the club to take - although it remains a dream."