Real Madrid gave a commanding performance in their 3-0 thrashing of Girona in their Spanish La Liga clash on Saturday night at Estadi Montilivi. Goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe propelled Los Blancos within two points of league leaders Barcelona. The match was filled with exciting moments and high-quality football that revealed the tactical brilliance of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Lineups
Girona XI: Romeu, D.López, Gazzaniga, Van de Beek, Iván Martín, Ladislav Krejci, Bojan Miovski, Miguel Gutiérrez, Gil, Yaser Asprilla, Arnau Martínez. Subs: Stuani, Blind, Juan Carlos, Juanpe, Portu, P. López, Arnaut Danjuma, Abel Ruiz, Alejandro Francés, Gabriel Misehouy, Silvi Clua, Jastin García.
Real Madrid XI: Modric, Courtois, Rudiger, Vazquez, F Mendy, Mbappe, Valverde, Brahim, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler. Subs: Vallejo, Ceballos, Andriy Lunin, Fran García, Raúl Asencio, Endrick, Sergio Mestre, Daniel Yañez.
How the Match Unfolded
Girona started the match with high intensity, holding on to the ball and putting pressure on Real Madrid’s defense. However, Los Blancos were quick to adapt and started creating opportunities of their own. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jude Bellingham capitalized on a loose ball in the Girona box, firing it into the net with a powerful shot. This goal came somewhat against the run of play, which showed Bellingham’s instinct and quick reaction.
As the first half progressed, Girona struggled to find an equalizer, with Donny van de Beek missing a golden opportunity to level the score. Real Madrid’s defense held firm, and the first half ended with Los Blancos leading 1-0.
In the second half, Real Madrid continued to assert themselves. In the 55th minute, Bellingham turned provider with a brilliant through ball to Arda Guler, who expertly finished into the bottom corner. This goal doubled Madrid’s advantage and put Girona under immense pressure.
The match was effectively sealed in the 62nd minute when Kylian Mbappe scored from a tight angle after being found by Luka Modric. Mbappe’s goal was a moment of relief for the French star, who has been heavily criticized recently for his lacklustre performances this season.
Although Girona did make frantic efforts to mount a comeback, Real Madrid’s defense remained resolute, and Los Blancos ended the match with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Post-Match Analysis
Real Madrid’s by the victory clearly spoke of their intent as they continued their pursuit of the La Liga title. Bellingham’s performance was exceptional, not only scoring the opening goal but also providing an important assist for Guler. Mbappe’s goal was a boost to his confidence, and Guler’s impressive finish was a delight, positioning him as a potential key player in the future.
Girona, on the other hand, will be disappointed with its inability to capitalize on its early dominance. It struggled to break down Real Madrid’s solid defence and was ultimately punished for its missed chances.
What the Coaches Said
Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience and determination, stating, “We showed great character tonight and took our chances well. I’m proud of the way the team played and the effort they put in.“
Girona’s coach, Michel Sánchez, acknowledged the defeat but remained optimistic about the future. “We were outplayed tonight, but we have to learn from this experience and come back stronger. Real Madrid is a tough opponent, and we need to be at our best to compete with them.”
Player of the Match
Jude Bellingham was named the Player of the Match. He scored the opening goal and set up Guler for the second, demonstrating his importance to the team. “I’m thrilled to contribute to the team’s success. We will keep pushing to maintain our position,” Bellingham said after the match.
What Next
Real Madrid will now focus on their upcoming Champions League clash with Italian Atalanta BC on Tuesday night. Ancelotti’s side will then return to La Liga action away to Rayo Vallecano next weekend. Girona, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back from their defeat when they face Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by a league match against Mallorca next weekend.
LaLiga Table Top 7
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