(Reuters) – Ukraine’s Artem Dovbyk netted two goals while leading Girona to a dominant 3-0 victory over Alaves, propelling them back to the top of the LaLiga standings by surpassing Real Madrid.
The underdog Catalan team now stands alone at the top with 44 points, two ahead of Real Madrid and nine ahead of last season’s champions, Barcelona.
Dovbyk’s first goal came in the 23rd minute, as he scored from close range off a rebound from the goalkeeper. Portu extended the lead just before the break with a well-placed first-time shot from the edge of the box.
Ukrainian Dovbyk continued his scoring streak, adding a third goal from the penalty spot after Yan Couto was fouled inside the box in the 59th minute.
Girona’s win marked their 14th victory in 17 games, an impressive streak that has sparked hopes of a potential title challenge just two seasons after being promoted to the top flight.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Toby Davis)
