Who is Valentin Castellanos? The Girona star who scored a La Liga poker against Real Madrid after 1947

The Argentine is the first player to score four goals against the Los Blancos since 1947.

Who is Valentin Castellanos? The Girona star who scored a La Liga poker against Real Madrid after 1947

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Girona v Real Madrid - Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain - April 25, 2023 Girona's Valentin Castellanos celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Albert Gea

In Real Madrid‘s recent La Liga loss to Girona, a record of 75 years has been matched. Valentin Castellanos netted four goals against the Spanish Giants as the Estadio Montilivi applauded the masterful performance. The Los Blancos were in desperate need of a result if they wished to hold on to their title. However, a loss against the Blanquivermells leaves them 11 points off the top having played a game more.

Castellanos was born in Mendoza, Argentina in 1998. The 24-year-old started his career in Chile, before moving to Montevideo City Torque on loan. Castellanos helped the club secure the Segunda Division title in 2017 before being relegated the following season. The Argentine was then loaned to New York City FC, where he was signed on a permanent basis in 2019.

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Castellanos rose to stardom in the United States after scoring the first goal in the 2021 MLS Cup. The New York club won the match, and the Argentine won the first domestic cup of his career. Castellanos was loaned to Girona at the start of the season and has made history in the Spanish city already. The Girona loanee is the first player to score a La Liga poker against the Los Blancos since 1947. Esteban Echavarria was the last player to score four against Real Madrid, netting five goals while playing for Real Oviedo.

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The spectacular performance would definitely encourage Girona to hold on to their new fan favourite. Castellanos has scored 11 goals for the Spanish club this season in 29 matches. However, New York FC would probably not like to sell their star man for a small price and would demand a fair value for the forward. An issue that arises for the two clubs, is the Argentine’s discipline. Castellanos has already received 10 yellow cards for the Gironistes this season.

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The 2021 MLS Cup and Castellanos first professional honour

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Castellanos after scoring for NYCFC (Image credits: News9Live)

Valentin Castellanos’ poker against Real Madrid could be his greatest achievement so far in the beautiful game. However, the Argentine’s proudest moment in the sport came in 2021. Girona’s newest hero was on target as New York City FC won the first-ever MLS cup in their history.

Castellanos had been instrumental in assisting the side in reaching the Final. The Argentine netted 19 goals in 32 appearances for the New York club and also scored twice in the playoffs. Castellanos’ crowning achievement was scoring the first goal in the MLS Cup.

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Castellanos headed in a free kick in the 41st minute to give his side the lead. The Argentine would also convert his penalty later in the final. The former New York City man would also win the MLS Golden Boot that season.

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The Argentine definitely has a bright future ahead of him. Castellanos was wanted by English giants Manchester City and Arsenal in 2022, but a move never materialized. However, the 2021 MLS Cup winner has been performing well for Girona, and might end up making his move permanent at the Spanish outfit.

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