Girona 2-1 Real Madrid: Historic result leaves Los Blancos 8 points off Barcelona

Eight points. La Liga leaders Barcelona are eight points clear of Real Madrid after 10 games, thanks to a little Catalan solidarity from their neighbours Girona.

On a weekend dominated by political tension after Catalonia’s unilateral declaration of independence, there were fears that it could boil over and have an impact at Montilivi.

But there was a party atmosphere around the game, even before Girona earned one of the biggest results in their history against a below-par Madrid, third.

After 12 minutes it looked like it was going to the same old story, but Girona showed the same heart and commitment their fans offered in the stands.

On loan Manchester City’s Pablo Maffeo, who was excellent at right-back, looped a cross shot over Kiko Casilla and against the post and Real Madrid broke away at top speed.

Karim Benzema carried the ball into opposition territory, feeding Cristiano Ronaldo, whose shot was parried by Bono into the path of Isco.

The attacking midfielder, who at times seemed like Madrid’s only player worth his salt out there, turned it home to send the visitors ahead.

But Girona refused to give in. Throwing everything forward, they continued to pressure Madrid and Cristian Portu’s header hit the post and just strayed out of Cristhian Stuani’s reach.

It was pure frustration for GIrona, but both players would have their moments.

Ronaldo’s snap-shot at the other end was kept out by Bono, but by and large Madrid looked lethargic, with the Portuguese striker continuing his poor form.

“Messi, Messi,” chanted Girona fans, taunting the veteran forward.

Eight minutes into the second half, Girona got the goal they merited.

Here Pons’ winding dribble unlocked Madrid’s defence and the ball fell neatly to Stuani, who blasted past Kiko Casilla.

And four minutes later, Girona were ahead. Maffeo lashed a volley in at goal and Portu back heeled it inside the post to turn the game on its head.

Girona beating champions Madrid in their first ever season in La Liga would have been massive news even out of the Catalonia crisis context.

But beyond Madrid fans wielding Spanish flags, Girona flans carrying Catalan ones, there was little political protest. The football was too engrossing.

Spain idol Sergio Ramos received a couple of boos at the start of the game, but the fans soon forgot about the pantomime as the game drew them in.

Madrid laid siege to the Girona goal in the final half an hour, but the hosts came just as close to scoring on the break as Zidane’s side.

First blow to Carles Puigdemont, then, rather than to Spain’s leader and Madrid fan Mariano Rajoy, as Madrid made their first appearance in Catalonia since the October 1 referendum.

But more importantly, in football terms, a result which could have a seismic impact on La Liga - both for Girona who now know, if they didn't before, that survival is completely in their hands, for Madrid, who are struggling to find form, and Barcelona, who are still yet to reach their peak under Ernesto Valverde but have more breathing room.