Real Madrid title challenge fades into further obscurity against disciplined Girona

Real Madrid title challenge fades into further obscurity against disciplined Girona Real Madrid 1-1 Girona Real Madrid saw their title challenge fade into further obscurity on Friday night against Girona. Despite making the running for most of the first half, a relaxation once ahead allowed the Catalans back into the game, and Michel Sanchez’s side thwarted Los Blancos at every turn. Los Blancos rotated heavily for the visit of Girona, with Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Brahim Diaz returning to the line-up.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were maintained up front though, and the former got an early chance, but his effort at the back post was cleared off the line. That was the best opportunity Real Madrid had for a while though, with Azzedine Ounahi testing Andriy Lunin early on too. Alvaro Arbeloa’s side were coming forward and creating pockets off space around the box, but struggling to make use of them.

Fede Valverde forced a flying save from Paulo Gazzaniga, while Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham were enthusiastically making inroads. Nevertheless, their attack was inescapably flat going into the break, timid whistles music to Girona’s ears. Girona take advantage of lax Real Madrid The second period saw Vinicius Junior going at Girona with renewed vigour, but still lacked end product.

Real Madrid were finding more space though. Brahim won a throw back high up the pitch six minutes into the second period, and when he received the ball inside again, found Valverde on the edge of the D. The Uruguayan, as his his want, let fire, and while his effort was powerful , Gazzaniga’s expression thereafter betrayed the error he had committed, allowing it to squirm through.