Alex Berenguer scored twice as Athletic Bilbao brought high-flying Girona back down to earth with a 3-2 victory on Monday, a result that provided a reality check to the Catalans' lofty LaLiga title ambitions.

Berenguer intercepted a pass from rival Aleix Garcia to score and give Athletic the lead in the second minute but Viktor Tsyhankov levelled from close range in he 49th minute.

However, Berenguer put the locals back in front with another strike in the 56th minute and Inaki Williams extended their lead in similar fashion four minutes later.

Eric Garcia put Girona back in the game netting a close-range effort from a Aleix Garcia free kick but the hosts held on to secure the win.

Despite suffering their second consecutive league loss, Girona remain second in the standings with 56 points, two ahead third-placed Barcelona and six behind leaders Real Madrid. Fifth-placed Athletic moved up to 49 points, and trail fourth-placed Atletico Madrid by two points.