Real Madrid vs Girona, Real Madrid bounced back with a decisive 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga, thanks to stellar performances from Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Arda Guler. The match, played at Montilivi Stadium, saw Los Blancos display their attacking prowess after a challenging few weeks.
However, not all was rosy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as injury concerns for Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy cast a shadow over an otherwise commanding performance. This victory keeps Madrid firmly in the La Liga title race and builds momentum for their upcoming Champions League clash against Atalanta.
Real Madrid vs Girona, Jude Bellingham Shines in a Dominant 3-0 Win Despite Injury Concerns
First Half: A Scrappy Start
Real Madrid started cautiously as Girona pressed high, creating several early chances. Thibaut Courtois was called into action multiple times to maintain parity, showcasing his reliability in crucial moments. Girona’s Bryan Gil proved to be a handful on the flanks, exploiting Lucas Vazquez’s defensive frailties.
Despite Girona’s early dominance, Madrid struck first:
- Jude Bellingham’s Magic: The English star fired a low-driven shot from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute, threading it through a crowd of Girona defenders and into the back of the net.
This goal shifted momentum in Madrid’s favor as the visitors began to assert control over the game.
Second Half: Madrid Turns Up the Heat
The second half saw a rejuvenated Madrid team dominate proceedings. With Girona unable to capitalize on their early chances, Madrid’s midfield and attack began to click.
Arda Guler Doubles the Lead
In the 56th minute, Jude Bellingham pivoted beautifully in midfield, threading a pass to Arda Guler, who calmly slotted the ball across the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The Turkish teenager’s composure in front of goal showcased his immense potential.
Kylian Mbappe Seals the Win
Mbappe, who had been lively throughout, finally got his reward in the 72nd minute. After receiving a perfectly weighted through ball from Luka Modric, the Frenchman beat his marker and fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner to secure the three points.
Injury Worries for Ancelotti
While the scoreline brought relief, injuries to key players Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy were significant concerns.
- Bellingham’s Injury: The midfielder limped off in the 60th minute, clutching his thigh. Early reports suggest a potential strain, leaving his availability for the Atalanta clash in doubt.
- Mendy’s Knock: The left-back also required medical attention late in the game and had to be substituted.
These injuries could impact Madrid’s squad depth, especially with several crucial fixtures on the horizon.
Key Performances
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Maintained a clean sheet with critical saves in the first half, ensuring Girona’s pressure went unrewarded.
- Lucas Vazquez (6/10): Struggled defensively against Bryan Gil but made up for it with his tireless work rate.
- Antonio Rudiger (8/10): Dominated aerial duels and initiated attacks with confident forward runs.
- Ferland Mendy (7/10): Reliable defensively but exited due to injury concerns.
Midfield
- Jude Bellingham (8/10): The heartbeat of Madrid’s midfield, scoring the opener and assisting the second. His injury could be a big blow.
- Luka Modric (8/10): Dictated play in the second half, providing the assist for Mbappe’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): Balanced defensive duties and attacking runs, offering stability in midfield.
- Arda Guler (7/10): Scored a brilliant second goal and showcased his creativity throughout.
Attack
- Kylian Mbappe (7/10): A much-needed improvement from recent outings. His goal underlined his clinical finishing ability.
- Brahim Diaz (5/10): Struggled to make a significant impact despite showing flashes of brilliance.
Substitutes & Manager
- Dani Ceballos (5/10): Failed to control the game after replacing Bellingham, nearly gifting Girona a chance with a misplaced pass.
- Carlo Ancelotti (7/10): Managed to extract strong performances despite recent setbacks but will be worried about the growing injury list.
Analysis: What Does This Win Mean for Real Madrid?
This victory is a significant morale booster for Real Madrid, especially following recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions.
Positives
- Bellingham’s Brilliance: The midfielder has become indispensable, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
- Mbappe Back in Form: After a dip in form, Mbappe’s goal will boost his confidence ahead of key fixtures.
- Promising Youth: Arda Guler’s display highlighted the potential of Madrid’s next generation.
Concerns
- Injuries: With crucial players like Bellingham and Mendy possibly sidelined, Madrid’s depth will be tested.
- Defensive Issues: While Rudiger impressed, Lucas Vazquez’s struggles in defense remain a concern.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Girona showcased their attacking quality, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe leading the charge. Arda Guler’s impressive display further highlighted the depth of talent at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
However, the growing injury list is a concern as Madrid heads into a critical phase of the season. If Bellingham and Mendy are sidelined for an extended period, Ancelotti will need to rely on his squad depth to navigate the challenges ahead.
This result serves as a timely reminder of Madrid’s resilience, but consistency and fitness will be key as they aim to reclaim domestic and European glory
9️⃣ @KMbappe 9️⃣#GironaRealMadrid | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/wXB5gTQ6Su
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 7, 2024
FAQs
1. What is Jude Bellingham’s injury update?
Bellingham was substituted after feeling discomfort in his thigh. Further scans will determine the extent of the injury, but he could miss the upcoming Champions League clash.
2. How did Kylian Mbappe perform against Girona?
Mbappe delivered an improved performance, scoring Madrid’s third goal with a composed finish.
3. Who was the standout player for Real Madrid?
Jude Bellingham was once again the standout player, contributing a goal and an assist before his premature exit.
4. What’s next for Real Madrid?
Madrid faces Atalanta in a crucial Champions League match on Tuesday, followed by another La Liga fixture next weekend.
5. How does this result impact Madrid’s La Liga campaign?
The win keeps Madrid in contention for the La Liga title, applying pressure on leaders Barcelona.
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