Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Girona, moving level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The win marked Los Blancos’ fourth consecutive head-to-head win without conceding against Girona.
The match got off to a lively start, with Girona’s Arnau Martínez testing Thibaut Courtois in the fifth minute. Real Madrid immediately responded with a threat of their own, as Paulo Gazzaniga was forced to make a save from Kylian Mbappé.
As the first half progressed, Real Madrid began to assert their dominance. Vinícius Júnior saw a header sail over the crossbar, and Daley Blind was on hand to halt the Brazilian’s blistering break. Brahim Díaz’s venomous strike was palmed away by Gazzaniga, and Luka Modrić fired over the bar.
Despite being met by a resolute Girona defense, Real Madrid remained patient and eventually found the breakthrough before the break. Modrić provided a moment of pure magic, chesting down David López’s attempted clearance and sending a sensational strike into the top corner.
The second half saw Gazzaniga deny Mbappé once again, and Ladislav Krejčí made a superb intervention to stop Rodrygo’s header. However, Real Madrid eventually found their second goal in the 83rd minute, as Vinícius linked up with Mbappé and poked the ball past Gazzaniga.
The win marked a welcome return to form for Real Madrid, who had endured a three-game winless run in La Liga. Los Blancos now sits level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, with only a difference in goal between the two teams.
Girona, on the other hand, suffered their seventh defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions. The loss marked a disappointing end to a spirited performance from the visitors, who had shown glimpses of promise throughout the match.
Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey during the week while they prepare for the round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid after last Friday’s draws.
