Girona 4-2 Barcelona: Girona defeat Los Cules to move up to second and hand league title to Real Madrid

Real Madrid won a record-extending 36th LaLiga title on Saturday after Girona rallied to defeat Barcelona 4-2, giving Carlo Ancelotti's side an unbeatable lead in the standings.

Real Madrid, who have only lost once in the league this season, defeated lowly Cadiz earlier Saturday. They lead second-placed Girona by 13 points, while Barcelona have dropped to third with four games remaining.

Real Madrid can now focus on completing a LaLiga-Champions League double, hosting Bayern Munich in the semi-final return leg on Wednesday after a 2-2 draw in Germany the week before.

Girona enjoyed an afternoon of celebration as well, as the win secured their first appearance in Europe after qualifying for next season's Champions League.

A brace from substitute Portu helped surprise package Girona defeat their Catalan rivals for the second time this season. Girona also defeated Barcelona away in December by the same score.

On Saturday, Andreas Christiansen gave Barcelona the lead in the third minute, but Girona equalised a minute later with LaLiga top scorer Artem Dovbyk's header.

Robert Lewandowski put the visitors back in front from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box just before halftime, and Barcelona squandered several chances to extend their lead early in the second half.

However, in his first action after coming off the bench, Portu equalised in the 65th minute, and two minutes later, Miguel Gutierrez scored from a rebound to give Girona the lead. A stunning volley from Portu in the 74th minute sealed the victory.

If Barcelona fail to finish in the top two, it will be a further setback for the club, who are already struggling financially due to a massive wage bill, a 1.2 billion euro debt, and a 1.6 billion euro Camp Nou stadium renovation project.

The champions and runners-up of the Copa del Rey and LaLiga compete in the lucrative Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the winner potentially earning 6.6 million euros.

With four games remaining, Barcelona must now rely on Girona to slip if they want to compete in the Super Cup.

SportsLigue