Obliged to win in order to catch up with Barça in the standings, Real Madrid didn’t miss their chance against Girona. At the end of the 90 minutes in the 25th matchday at the Santiago Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti’s men won 2-0 thanks to a masterpiece from Luka Modric and a goal from Vinicius.
Real Madrid returns to victory in La Liga. After three matches without a win, Carlo Ancelotti’s team secured a victory over Girona this Sunday. With a conquering side fielded from the start, the Madrid players dominated the match. Despite creating numerous chances, the attackers either missed the target or were let down by poor decision-making. Just before halftime, captain Luka Modric produced a brilliant piece of play to open the scoring with a stunning strike. In the second half, Madrid kept up the pressure, and finally, in the 83rd minute, Vinicius scored to seal the win.
The ratings of the Madrid players after the victory against Girona:
Thibaut Courtois (7)
A very good match for the Belgian goalkeeper, who will probably return to international duty next month. Called into action early, Courtois responded with two important saves, including one very difficult one in the 29th minute. For the rest of the game, the former Chelsea player was solid.
Ferland Mendy (6.5)
The French left-back played a good match. Physically improving, Ferland Mendy was solid on his side. Against a Girona team that was very harmless offensively, the former OL player supported his teammates in attack. Not much to say about Mendy’s performance.
David Alaba (6.5)
Back in the starting lineup after more than 400 days, the Austrian defender delivered a solid performance. Replacing Rüdiger, the 32-year-old was in the right place at the right time to clear danger, especially in the second half. Given that he was returning from a long injury absence, it was a very decent performance.
Raúl Asensio (6.5)
The young Spanish defender had a good match. In the absence of Rüdiger, Raúl performed well thanks to his qualities. Without repeating too much, Asensio simply did his job well.
Lucas Vázquez (6)
As usual, Vázquez is a dangerous offensive player. Returning to the right side of the defence, which he had ceded to Federico Valverde during the Champions League playoffs, the 33-year-old contributed offensively. Where he had some issues was defensively, as the danger often came from his side. Always defending by retreating, Lucas showed that he isn’t really suited for a defensive role.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (7)
Since returning to his preferred position, the French midfielder has been putting in excellent performances. In Valverde’s absence, Tchouaméni was there to sweep up. With his strength, the 25-year-old dominated his opponents in duels. Very good match for the former Monaco player, who also unleashed some powerful shots to threaten Girona’s defence. Even when moved to defence in place of Alaba after the 70th minute, he was solid.
Luka Modric (8)
The Croatian veteran played a fantastic match. Back in the Madrid starting eleven, Modric took on the role of playmaker. In the build-up, the Madrid captain did his job brilliantly. With his switches of play, pinpoint passes, and adjustments, the 40-year-old was instrumental, especially with his monstrous goal in the 40th minute. According to Omar Da Fonseca, the Croatian international is a true master of football.
Brahim Díaz (6.5)
He’s one of the key elements in the Madrid squad. Thanks to his speed and dribbling, the Moroccan player caused a lot of trouble for Girona’s players. Up until his substitution in the 70th minute, Brahim Díaz contributed a lot to the team.
Rodrygo Goes (7)
What a match from Rodrygo! Clearly gaining momentum over the past few weeks, the Brazilian forward once again shone with his performance against Girona. Across the front line, Rodrygo wore down the opposition’s defence. When it was necessary to drop back and help out defensively, the 24-year-old was there. Nothing more to add.
Vinícius Júnior (7.5)
In search of his first La Liga goal since November 9, 2024, Vinícius Júnior worked tirelessly on the front line. After a tricky start to the first half, the Brazilian winger grew into the game and was much more influential towards the half-hour mark. He had chances and, persistently searching, the 2024 FIFA The Best award’s Player of the Year scored in the 83rd minute following an assist from Kylian Mbappé. Good match!
Kylian Mbappé (6.5)
Facing a very compact Girona team, Mbappé didn’t have much space to exploit his speed. Despite his efforts, the French forward didn’t receive many good balls to make an impact. However, he contributed to the team by providing an assist. Whatever one says, KM9 didn’t deserve any criticism this Sunday.
Leave a Reply