Real Madrid moved back up to second in La Liga on Sunday afternoon after cruising past Girona 2-0 in the Spanish capital.
Victories for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona meant Los Blancos started the day in third place, increasing the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s side for Girona’s visit.
Both goalkeepers were drawn into early saves, with Madrid’s superstar attack – in the absence of Jude Bellingham – threatening frequently on the counter-attack but were unable to deliver the finishing touch. Girona struggled to assert control but looked at ease when they settled into their defensive block.
The visitors had one or two moments in the opening period, but Thibaut Courtois saved from Donny van de Beek before Viktor Tsygankov blazed a good chance over. Michel’s side were made to pay before half-time as Luka Modric crashed home a superb opening goal from distance.
Madrid opted to cruise after taking the lead, with Girona’s threat relatively tame while the hosts attempted to strike for the second time. Vinicius Junior started to take over, dominating his flank, and he came closest to doubling the hosts’ lead when his fierce effort from distance struck the crossbar. The Brazilian was intent on ending his lengthy La Liga goal drought in the second half.
After cutting infield and firing high, Vini eventually got his name on the scoresheet in the final ten minutes. The winger poked home from Mbappe’s cute pass in behind to seal the points for Madrid.
*Player ratings provided by Fotmob*
|
Player |
Rating |
|---|---|
|
GK: Thibaut Courtois |
6.5/10 |
|
RB: Lucas Vazquez |
7.4/10 |
|
CB: Raul Asencio |
6.7/10 |
|
CB: David Alaba |
6.7/10 |
|
LB: Ferland Mendy |
7.3/10 |
|
RM: Brahim Diaz |
7.0/10 |
|
CM: Luka Modric (c) |
9.0/10 |
|
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni |
7.6/10 |
|
LM: Rodrygo |
7.4/10 |
|
ST: Vinicius Junior |
8.3/10 |
|
ST: Kylian Mbappe |
8.2/10 |
|
SUB: Eduardo Camavinga (73′ for Alaba) |
6.7/10 |
|
SUB: Dani Ceballos (73′ for Brahim) |
6.2/10 |
|
SUB: Antonio Rudiger (85′ for Modric) |
6.1/10 |
|
SUB: Endrick (90′ for Vinicius) |
N/A |
Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Fran Gonzalez (GK), Federico Valverde, Fran Garcia, Jesus Vallejo, Arda Guler.
*Player ratings provided by Fotmob*
|
Player |
Rating |
|---|---|
|
GK: Paulo Gazzaniga |
5.6/10 |
|
RB: Arnau Martinez (c) |
6.9/10 |
|
CB: David Lopez |
6.6/10 |
|
CB: Ladislav Krejci |
6.4/10 |
|
LB: Daley Blind |
6.1/10 |
|
CM: Oriol Romeu |
6.4/10 |
|
CM: Ivan Martin |
6.7/10 |
|
RW: Viktor Tsygankov |
6.5/10 |
|
AM: Donny van de Beek |
7.1/10 |
|
LW: Miguel Gutierrez |
6.1/10 |
|
ST: Arnaut Danjuma |
6.5/10 |
|
SUB: Arthur Melo (56′ for Van de Beek) |
6.3/10 |
|
SUB: Jhon Solis (66′ for Romeu) |
6.0/10 |
|
SUB: Bryan Gil (66′ for Martin) |
6.6/10 |
|
SUB: Yaser Asprilla (66′ for Danjuma) |
6.5/10 |
|
SUB: Bojan Miovski (75′ for Gutierrez) |
5.9/10 |
Subs not used: Juan Carlos (GK), Alejandro Frances, Juanpe, Portu, Abel Ruiz, Cristhian Stuani, Gabriel Misehouy.