Giant-killing Girona staying grounded after stunning Real Madrid upset

Girona's muted response to its incredible victory over Real Madrid is a sign of the squad's maturity, according to boss Pablo Machin.

Published : Oct 30, 2017 10:38 IST

Pablo Machin watches on during Girona's remarkable 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Pablo Machin watches on during Girona's remarkable 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
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Pablo Machin watches on during Girona's remarkable 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday.

Girona head coach Pablo Machin said the LaLiga newcomer will not get carried away by its historic win over Spanish champion Real Madrid.

In Girona's first competitive meeting with Madrid, Machin's men claimed a stunning 2-1 win at home to the LaLiga titleholder on Sunday courtesy of a stirring second-half comeback.

READ: Champion Real Madrid stunned by newcomer Girona's second-half fight-back

Cristhian Stuani cancelled out Isco's opener with his fifth goal in eight league appearances before Portu completed the improbable turnaround just four minutes later.

But 43-year-old Machin, who guided the Catalan club to promotion last term, is determined to keep his players grounded.

"Obviously there was a celebration, but I haven't seen any bottles of champagne," Machin said at his post-match news conference.

"This is a mature team and we knew that we had a chance to beat a great team.

"We demonstrated our maturity by not showing excessive euphoria after the whistle.

"If you would have told me three years ago that this would be possible, I would have thought you were crazy.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid can still catch Barcelona, says Zidane

"This result is for those who have been following us a long time. They have always helped us."

Girona now sits 12th in its maiden top-flight campaign with three wins and three draws from 10 matches.

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