Carlo Ancelotti’s team has cut the gap with Barcelona to just 2 points, with a game in hand. Real Madrid delivered a fantastic performance, shaking off their early struggles, led by Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. They dismantled Girona in a dominant 3-0 win on Saturday night in La Liga.
The reigning champions took the lead in the first half through Bellingham. Early in the second half, Arda Güler doubled the advantage from Bellingham’s assist, and Mbappé sealed the win with the third goal. There was some concern when Bellingham left the pitch with an injury in the second half, but he returned to the field after the final whistle, suggesting it might not be serious.
After losing five of their previous 11 matches, Real and coach Ancelotti had faced significant criticism. This victory provides much-needed relief. It also follows a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the previous round of the league.
Girona caused plenty of trouble for Real’s defense in the opening half-hour. In the 13th minute, Bryan Gil narrowly missed the target, while Donny van de Beek’s effort in the 28th minute sailed just over the crossbar. Real struggled to create meaningful opportunities until the 34th minute when Brahim Díaz’s shot forced Girona’s goalkeeper into action. A minute later, Mbappé’s attempt was also saved.
Real finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Girona failed to clear a ball in the box, allowing Bellingham to fire a powerful shot into the net. This marked the English midfielder’s fifth consecutive La Liga match with a goal.
In the 55th minute, Real doubled their lead. Luka Modrić played a pass to Bellingham in midfield, who sent a through ball to Arda Güler. The young midfielder burst between two defenders, entered the box, and scored with a left-footed strike. This was Güler’s first goal of the season for Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé made it 3-0 in the 62nd minute. After missing two penalties in his last three matches, the French star made no mistake this time, scoring from a sharp-angled shot after a pass from Modrić. This was Mbappé’s 11th goal in all competitions this season, with 9 of them coming in La Liga.
Bellingham had to leave the pitch in the 61st minute due to an injury, replaced by Dani Ceballos. Later in the 81st minute, Mbappé was substituted for young Brazilian Endrick, but neither team created any clear chances after that.
Real Madrid now sit second in the table with 36 points from 16 matches (11 wins, 3 draws). Barcelona remain on top with 38 points from 17 matches, following their 2-2 draw with Real Betis earlier in the day. Atlético Madrid hold third place with 32 points from 15 matches, while Girona are eighth with 22 points from 16 games.
