As a potential title showdown unfolds in Germany with two Bundesliga contenders facing off, a similar spectacle takes place in La Liga as Real Madrid hosts Girona, with the Spanish league championship potentially hanging in the balance.
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Match Preview
Currently leading the La Liga table, Los Blancos find themselves in a heated battle with Girona, who have closely trailed the Spanish giants throughout the season. Despite Barcelona and Atletico Madrid lagging behind by six and eight points respectively, Girona remains within striking distance, sitting just two points behind the league leaders.
A victory at the Bernabeu for Girona would propel them above Real Madrid and into the coveted top spot, placing them in command of their own fate for the remainder of the season. Conversely, a draw would maintain the existing order, while a win for Real Madrid would create a five-point buffer between the leaders and the chasing pack.
From a player standpoint, this match carries significant weight as well. Two of the top contenders for the La Liga Golden Boot will be in action, with Jude Bellingham representing Real Madrid and Artem Dovbyk donning the colors of Girona. Both players aim not only to contribute to their team’s success in the title race but also to position themselves for individual accolades.
Dovbyk, who missed the last match due to a groin injury, is expected to make a comeback for this crucial title showdown. With plenty of the season still ahead, this match has the potential to shape the trajectory of the La Liga title race for both teams.
Real Madrid vs Girona: Head-to-Head
In the nine matches played between Real Madrid and Girona, Real Madrid has emerged victorious on five occasions, while Girona has secured three wins. Additionally, there has been one draw between the two teams. This head-to-head record provides some context for their past encounters and suggests that there has been a fair amount of competitiveness between the sides, with both teams having tasted success against each other.
Real Madrid’s recent record against Girona in La Liga shows a degree of inconsistency, with three losses in their last seven encounters. Furthermore, within their last four meetings in the competition, Real Madrid has endured two defeats. This recent trend suggests that Girona has posed a challenge for Real Madrid in their recent matchups.
Recent Form
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side has been in impressive form in the league, having suffered just one defeat so far this season, which occurred against city rivals Atletico Madrid several months ago. They have secured victories in 18 out of their 23 matches, positioning themselves comfortably at the summit of the points table.
Leading up to their recent encounter against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid was on a commendable six-match winning streak. Despite having opportunities to extend their lead at the top of the table, they were unable to capitalize on their chances in the match and settled for a draw. As a result, their lead over Girona remains at two points.
On the other hand, Girona has exceeded expectations this season, with their remarkable campaign putting them in contention for the La Liga title. While a top-four finish would have been considered a significant achievement, they find themselves just two points behind the league leaders. Their only defeat of the season came against Real Madrid earlier in the campaign.
However, Girona is entering this crucial fixture following a goalless draw against Real Sociedad. To reclaim the top spot in the league, they will need to deliver an improved performance against Carlo Ancelotti’s formidable side.
Key Players
Real Madrid- Federico Valverde
Valverde has been a standout performer for Real Madrid in recent years, consistently making significant contributions to the team’s success. While his goal-scoring output may have reduced this season due to tactical changes and a shift in his role, his influence on the outcome of matches remains substantial.
With Real Madrid currently grappling with a multitude of injuries, the importance of Valverde’s role becomes even more pronounced. Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtedly rely on the 25-year-old to rise to the occasion and deliver a stellar performance to secure a crucial victory in this pivotal fixture. Keep an eye on Valverde as he seeks to make a decisive impact and help his team claim all three points.
Girona- Portu
Portu of Girona is a dynamic attacker renowned for his creativity and offensive prowess. His quickness, exceptional vision, and keen eye for goal make him a constant threat on the pitch. With three goals and assists each this season, Portu has been instrumental in Girona’s success in La Liga matches. His contributions significantly impact the team’s performance and are pivotal to achieving favorable results in their league campaign.
Real Madrid vs Girona: Team News & Expected Lineups
Real Madrid
Real Madrid faces significant challenges heading into this fixture, with several key players sidelined, particularly in the central defensive positions. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Nacho are all nursing injuries, while doubts linger over the availability of Antonio Rudiger and Vinicius Junior due to thigh problems. However, the return of Aurelien Tchouameni from suspension provides a timely boost for the team.
In Ancelotti’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal, supported by Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy as full-backs. If Rudiger is fit to play, he will likely partner Tchouameni in central defense. Otherwise, Mendy may be deployed in a central role, with Fran Garcia slotting in at left-back.
In midfield, Toni Kroos will assume the holding midfielder position, flanked by Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde, with the trio tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
Jude Bellingham is expected to operate as the attacking midfielder, supporting the forward duo of Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes. If Vinicius Junior is deemed fit in time, he may feature off the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger/Tchouameni, Tchouameni/Mendy, Mendy/Garcia; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Diaz
Girona
Girona faces setbacks of their own, with suspensions and injuries impacting their lineup for this fixture. Head coach Michel, Daley Blind, and Yangel Herrera are all suspended and will not be available for selection. Michel will likely have to watch the match from the stands due to his suspension.
In addition to the suspensions, Girona has several players sidelined with injuries, including Juan Carlos, David Lopez, Joel Roca, and Toni Villa. However, they receive a significant boost as their top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, is set to return from injury in time for this crucial clash.
Girona is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Paulo Gazzaniga starting in goal. Yan Couto and Miguel Gutierrez are likely to occupy the full-back positions, while Arnau Martinez and Eric Garcia will form the central defensive partnership in the absence of Blind.
In midfield, Pablo Torre is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Aleix Garcia and Ivan Martin, with the trio tasked with disrupting Real Madrid’s midfield dominance.
On the attacking front, Viktor Tsyhankov and Savio are anticipated to feature on the flanks, aiming to maintain their impressive form. Meanwhile, Dovbyk will spearhead the attack and look to add to his goal tally against one of the top teams in world football.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Gazzaniga; Couto, E Garcia, A Martinez, Gutierrez; Torre, A Garcia, Martin; Tsyhankov, Dovbyk, Savio
Real Madrid vs Girona: Match Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Girona
Both Real Madrid and Girona enter this fixture seeking to bounce back from recent draws, aiming to secure a crucial victory. However, with injuries and suspensions affecting both sides, the task ahead won’t be straightforward.
Despite Girona proving to be a formidable opponent for Real Madrid in recent encounters, the home side holds the advantage. Real Madrid’s clinical display in the previous fixture against Girona demonstrates their capability to assert dominance once again in the title race.
With their superior squad depth, Real Madrid is poised to have the upper hand over the visitors. Expect a closely contested battle, but ultimately, Los Blancos are likely to emerge victorious with a narrow 2-1 win.
When & Where to Watch The Match: Streaming Details
You can stream the match live for free only on JioCinema or you can catch the action live on TV in Sports 18.
