Real Madrid emphatically reasserted their dominance in La Liga with a commanding 3-0 victory over Girona, a performance spearheaded by the in-form Jude Bellingham and punctuated by a much-needed goal from Kylian Mbappe. The win, which followed a disappointing midweek defeat to Athletic Bilbao, saw Los Blancos close the gap on league leaders Barcelona to just two points, having played a game less. It was a vital display of resilience and quality, reaffirming their title ambitions and injecting much-needed confidence ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Atalanta.
Bellingham, continuing his remarkable run of form, opened the scoring in the first half, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box to fire home his fifth goal in as many La Liga matches. The young English midfielder has seamlessly integrated into the Real Madrid setup, demonstrating an impressive maturity and consistently influencing matches with his dynamic play. His contribution extended beyond his goal, as he also provided a beautifully weighted assist for Arda Guler’s second-half strike, further solidifying his status as a key player for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Mbappe, who had endured a challenging period marked by missed penalties and subdued performances, finally found the back of the net with a clinical finish late in the game. The French forward, under intense scrutiny after his high-profile summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, displayed his predatory instincts, expertly converting a counter-attacking opportunity to seal the victory. This goal not only provided a personal boost for Mbappe but also alleviated some of the pressure surrounding his recent struggles.
The victory over Girona was a significant improvement on Real Madrid’s recent displays, marked by a greater intensity, fluidity, and clinical finishing. Despite missing key players such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo due to injury, Ancelotti’s team demonstrated their depth and adaptability. Brahim Diaz, starting in place of Vinicius, provided a creative spark, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric controlled the midfield with their customary composure and precision. The defensive unit, despite a late injury to Ferland Mendy, maintained a solid structure, limiting Girona’s opportunities and ensuring a comfortable clean sheet.
While the win provided a much-needed boost, concerns linger over the fitness of both Bellingham and Mendy, who were both substituted with apparent knocks. Ancelotti confirmed Bellingham’s availability for the Atalanta game, which will come as a relief to Madridistas, but the extent of Mendy’s muscular injury remains unclear. The availability of key players will be crucial for Real Madrid as they navigate a demanding schedule, with crucial matches in both the Champions League and La Liga on the horizon.
The comprehensive victory served as a timely reminder of Real Madrid’s quality and resilience, sending a clear message to their rivals that they remain a force to be reckoned with. The performance of Bellingham, in particular, highlights the exciting future that lies ahead for the club. While Mbappe’s goal may have eased some of the immediate pressure, he will undoubtedly be aiming for greater consistency in the coming weeks. The upcoming Champions League clash with Atalanta will provide another stern test for Ancelotti’s men, but the dominant display against Girona will undoubtedly instill confidence and belief as they strive to maintain their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
Ancelotti, after the match, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the individual contributions of Bellingham, Mbappe, and Guler, while also acknowledging that the team is still returning to its peak form. The Italian manager will be hoping that this victory will serve as a springboard for a sustained run of positive results, allowing Real Madrid to build momentum and challenge for both domestic and European glory.
Girona, who had pushed Real Madrid close in the title race last season, were unable to replicate their previous performances, struggling to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Madrid defense. The Catalan side will need to quickly regroup as they face another challenging fixture against Liverpool in the Champions League, followed by a crucial La Liga encounter with Mallorca.
The contrast in performances between the two sides underscored the gulf in quality that currently exists. While Girona showed glimpses of their potential, they ultimately lacked the firepower and composure to truly trouble Real Madrid. The victory for Los Blancos serves as a timely reminder of their enduring quality and resilience, reaffirming their status as one of the favorites for both the La Liga title and the Champions League.
The return of Vinicius Junior, anticipated for the Atalanta game, will further strengthen Real Madrid’s attacking options, providing Ancelotti with even greater tactical flexibility. The Brazilian winger’s pace, skill, and directness have been sorely missed in recent weeks, and his return will undoubtedly inject further dynamism into the team’s attacking play.
The match against Girona also highlighted the growing influence of younger players within the Real Madrid squad. Bellingham, Guler, and Tchouameni, all relatively recent additions, have quickly established themselves as key figures, demonstrating their ability to perform at the highest level. This injection of youthful energy and talent bodes well for the future of the club, ensuring a smooth transition as some of the more established stars begin to enter the latter stages of their careers.
The victory over Girona was not just about the three goals scored, but also about the overall control and dominance that Real Madrid exerted throughout the match. They dictated the tempo, controlled possession, and limited Girona’s opportunities, demonstrating the hallmarks of a well-drilled and highly effective team.
The performance of the defensive unit, despite the injury to Mendy, was particularly impressive. They maintained a solid shape, limiting Girona’s attacking threats and ensuring a comfortable clean sheet for Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, although rarely tested, made a crucial save late in the game to preserve the clean sheet and prevent Girona from grabbing a consolation goal.
The victory over Girona also underlined the importance of squad depth in a demanding season. Despite missing key players such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Real Madrid were able to field a strong starting XI and maintain their high level of performance. This depth will be crucial as they navigate a busy schedule, with crucial matches in both the Champions League and La Liga on the horizon.
The performance of Brahim Diaz, starting in place of Vinicius, was particularly encouraging. The Spanish winger provided a creative spark, constantly threatening the Girona defense with his dribbling skills and incisive passing. His contribution further underscores the strength in depth that Real Madrid possess, ensuring that they remain competitive even in the absence of key players.
