Ukraine forward Artem Dovbyk scored twice as Girona wrote another chapter of their Cinderella story on Monday with a dominant 3-0 win over Alaves to leapfrog Real Madrid and reclaim top spot in the La Liga standings.

The lowly Catalan side have forged ahead and sit alone at the top of the standings on 44 points, two ahead of Real Madrid and nine clear of last season’s champions Barcelona in third.

Dovbyk opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a close-range strike from a rebound off the goalkeeper and Portu extended their lead just before the break with a fine first-time effort from the edge of the box.

Ukrainian Dovbyk scored the third from the penalty spot after Yan Couto was fouled inside the box in the 59th minute.

The win was Girona’s 14th in 17 games, a remarkable run that has fuelled belief that they are equipped to challenge for a maiden title only two seasons after gaining promotion to the top flight.

Alaves has gone 24 matches away from home without a win, the worst such run in the club’s history.

Girona have to earn the right to be regarded as title contenders alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, coach Michel said after Monday’s win.

“Madrid is going to fight for the league. Barca is going to fight for the league. Atletico is going to fight for the league,” Michel told reporters.

“We have to earn that right... (and) end the year in the best way.”

Girona have been the surprise package of the season and have stretched their unbeaten streak to 11 league games.

“I expected a much tougher game, much more complicated with transitions from the opponent but we didn’t let them do it at any time,” the Spaniard said.

“The reality is that we are in good shape and we have had an incredible first half of the season.”

Girona will visit Real Betis in their final match of 2023 on Thursday.

“Trying to win at Real Betis’ field, which is a beautiful game to play with a spectacular atmosphere and with the maximum difficulty because it is also a team that will be fighting in Europe,” Michel said.

Girona’s best finish in La Liga is 10th, so there is optimism they will at least make history this season.

“There is still a lot left and we have to enjoy the moment. We have to go game by game and recognise that these players are making history,” he added.