Real Madrid 2 – 0 Girona
In February, Carlo Ancelotti’s team finally tasted victory in La Liga after four matches.
While everything was going well in other competitions, Real Madrid had been facing disappointment in La Liga. However, they managed to break free from their struggles and easily defeated Girona with two goals, one in each half.
On Sunday, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid won the La Liga match 2-0. Luka Modrić put them ahead with a brilliant goal, and then Vinícius Júnior doubled the lead.
Before this, Real Madrid had gone three matches without a win in La Liga this month. After a 1-0 loss to Espanyol, they had drawn with Atlético Madrid and Osasuna. Despite those disappointing results, they had won all three of their matches in other competitions. Finally, they secured a victory in their domestic league as well.
With 54 points from 25 matches, the reigning champions are in second place, while Barcelona, with the same points, lead due to their head-to-head record. Atlético Madrid is in third place with 53 points.
Just four days after a commanding win against Manchester City in the Champions League, Real Madrid took to the field for this league match, but their initial play lacked the pace from their previous game. In the 20th minute, Vinícius made a brilliant counterattack, but lost possession after trying to evade an opponent.
Though not at their best, Real Madrid kept the pressure on Girona through Vinícius and Mbappé.
In the 30th minute, Girona created a great chance on a counterattack, but Thibaut Courtois denied Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek’s shot with a fantastic save.
Modrić’s brilliance in the 41st minute helped Real Madrid take the lead. After winning two corners, the second one saw Modrić control the ball with his chest and then expertly volley it into the net from outside the penalty box, beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
In the 58th minute, Real could have doubled their lead but Vinícius’ powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Despite not being at their best, Real Madrid dominated possession, holding 65% of the ball in the second half. They created more chances, but the ball refused to go in.
In the 80th minute, Mbappé missed a great opportunity to increase the lead. After receiving a through ball from Modrić, the French star’s shot was saved by Girona’s goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, they finally scored again. In a rapid counterattack, Mbappé passed to Vinícius in the box, and with a precise first-time shot, he sealed the win.
In the final minute of added time, Mbappé had another chance but was denied by Girona’s goalkeeper, who saved his low shot.
Girona now sit in 12th place with 31 points from 25 matches.
