La Liga opened a clash between two Champions League teams this Saturday evening, between Girona (8th) and Real Madrid (2nd). Beaten by Athletic Club in the middle of the week, the Merengues had to revive against the Catalans, winners of their last three league meetings. For this trip to the Montilivi stadium, Carlo Ancelotti had to do without Rodrygo, injured, nor Vinícius Jr, in the recovery phase. The Italian coach therefore chose to trust Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz to surround Kylian Mbappé in attack. Also note the tenure of Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense alongside Antonio Rüdiger.
The Madrid rearguard also experienced a turbulent first half hour in the face of multiple attacks from Blanquivermells. It was only in the 34th minute that Real got back into the game. Found behind by Jude Bellingham, Brahim fired a powerful shot from the right, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga to make a magnificent save. Two minutes later, after a cross repelled by a Girona defender, Bellingham finally deceived Gazzaniga with a powerful strike on the ground. The ball passed between his legs before lodging in the back of the net (36th, 0-1). This fifth achievement from the Englishman allowed Real to return to the locker room with a small advantage in the score.
Kylian Mbappé scorer, Bellingham injured
From the start of the second act, Kylian Mbappé had the opportunity to make the break for Casa Blanca. After stealing the ball (with his arm) from the last Girona defender, the Frenchman left alone in front of the goal. But his right shot missed Gazzaniga’s left post (47th). The 32-year-old goalkeeper was then called upon to head Tchouaméni (51st), after a free kick well taken by Luka Modrić. It was finally with the left foot of Arda Güler, served in depth by Bellingham, that Real made the break (55th, 0-2). If the evening promised to be quiet for the Madrilenians, it experienced a major black spot with the exit due to injury of Bellingham (61st).
The former Dortmund player witnessed his teammates’ third goal off the field. Found by Modrić, Mbappé got the better of Krejči and scored from an almost closed angle to seal the victory for Real (62nd, 0-3). The Frenchman was even close to the double, but his new attempt was rejected (74th). The captain of Blues attended the end of the match on the bench, after being replaced by Endrick, ten minutes from the end. Girona, through Danjuma, tried to save the honor, but fell on a great Courtois (88th). In the La Liga standings, Real Madrid is two points behind FC Barcelona (1st), held in check by Real Betis (2-2). Casa Blanca can now focus on their Champions League match against Atalanta. For its part, Girona remains 8th.
