La Liga: Girona Beat Cadiz To Guarantee European Qualification

Girona moved a step closer to securing Champions League qualification with an emphatic 4-1 win over Cadiz in La Liga on Saturday, which ensured they will play European football next season. Eric Garcia, Ivan Martin, Artem Dovbyk and Cristian Portu struck for the Catalan minnows, third, who moved 10 points clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao. Although their unlikely title challenge eventually ran out of steam, a top-four finish would be a remarkable achievement for Girona in only their fourth season in La Liga.

After Copa del Rey winners Athletic could only draw against Granada on Friday, Michel Sanchez's side capitalised in the race for the top four. Their victory guarantees them at least a Europa Conference League spot next season.

Girona made light work of struggling Cadiz, 18th and six points from safety, at their tiny 14,000-seater Montilivi stadium, which will need some reforms if it is to host Champions League football.

Players celebrated with fans at the end and wore special shirts to celebrate the club qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.

"(I'm) very happy with the win and reaching our first objective, which we've done, but we're not stopping here," said Martin.

"This is a historic day for the club and we have to celebrate it as it deserves."

Garcia, on loan from Barcelona, kicked off proceedings with a header after nine minutes following a clever short-corner routine.

Girona doubled their advantage after 22 minutes when Martin smoothly swept home after Miguel Gutierrez backheeled the ball into his path.

La Liga's top scorer Dovbyk extended his tally to 18 for the season with a fine turn and finish in the box to kill off any Cadiz comeback ideas.

The visitors did grab a consolation through