The Santiago Bernabéu is gearing up for an unexpected clash. Real Madrid, under pressure from Barcelona and Atlético, host Girona on Sunday 23 February. Carlo Ancelotti’s most likely line-up is already circulating.
Real Madrid are aiming high this season. The Merengues find themselves joint-leaders of La Liga with Barcelona and just one point ahead of Atlético. So they cannot afford to drop points against Girona. Last Sunday, Real were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna. Madrid are determined to bounce back and prove that they are still one of Spain’s greats.
Behind these ambitions is a man on fire: Mbappé. The French striker has already racked up 28 league goals this season, and it’s only February. His confidence has been at an all-time high since his hat-trick against Manchester City last Wednesday. That sparkling performance propelled Real into the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Atlético.
Real Madrid’s likely line-up against Girona
This match against Girona could prove decisive for the rest of the competition. Unfortunately, several players will be missing. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have been sidelined for some time. Jude Bellingham is suspended for two matches. Despite these absences, Carlo Ancelotti has an interesting depth on the bench. We expect to see Courtois in goal, protected by Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger and Mendy.
In midfield, Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Ceballos should provide balance and creativity. Up front, Rodrygo is expected to partner Mbappé and Vinicius. The No7 is still looking for his first goal of 2025, but he is once again showing signs of dazzling. With the help of Mbappé, Vinicius can break the deadlock. Carlo Ancelotti is counting heavily on this attacking synergy to break Girona down. He knows that every goal counts in the race for the title.
Difficult form for Girona
Last season, Girona surprised everyone by finishing third in the league. Today, the club is languishing in mid-table in tenth place. The succession of matches is taking its toll on the players, who are not used to such a high tempo. In fact, Girona have now lost six of their last seven games.
Injuries are not helping matters. Arnaut Danjuma and Victor Tsygankov are out, while Abel Ruiz is still doubtful. To make matters worse, Yangel Herrera is suspended. Michel’s team travel to the Spanish capital with little certainty and a great deal of nervousness. Last year, Girona were beaten 5-2 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid must first stabilise their defence, which is now without Carvajal and Militao. An early goal could reassure Madrid, especially as Girona looked fragile from the outset. Mbappé will be looking to extend his unbeaten run in front of goal, while Vinicius will want to finally score in 2025 to regain his full potential. For the visitors, Stuani remains a constant threat. If he receives good balls from Arthur Melo or Van de Beek, Girona could surprise the Merengues on the counter. But the gap in form is clear. Michel’s men will have to be solid and disciplined to avoid another heavy defeat.
Likely Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Vinicius, Mbappé and Rodrygo
Girona probable XI: Gazzaniga – Blind, Krejci, Lopez – Martinez, Romeu, Van de Beek, Gutierrez – Gil, Arthur Melo – Stuani
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